A majority of the proceeds were raised during WOW’s third annual Kentucky Derby Gala held May 4 at Elevated Mountain Distilling in Maggie Valley. The Sharin Care fund was established in memory of Sharon Queen Rathbone, a lifelong Haywood resident who was diagnosed with a rare cancer and unable to afford the treatment. Her family immediately began raising money for her treatment, but Sharon died before enough funds were collected. They decided to honor her memory by using the money to start a fund for medical expenses so other families wouldn’t have to experience the same heartbreak. 

“One of the last things Sharon hoped to do was to go to the Kentucky Derby. Unfortunately that wasn’t able to happen, so as a family we feel like this is her own Kentucky Derby,” said Gloria Tart, a family member of Sharon Rathbone. “Those funds will benefit families in Haywood County who need help with their medical expenses. I know Sharon is smiling down about how well the event turned out and how many people we will be able to help.”

Learn more about Sharin Care at http://opendoor-waynesville.org/sharin-care/ or WOW at www.womenofwaynesville.org.