Sherry Clapper, daughter of Jack and Sharlene Clapper, has had a long and difficult road in her 50 years of life. She was born mentally disabled, could not walk or talk, and was told by some cruel person that she would be of no value to society.
That road has included a severe kidney infection and pneumonia in both lungs, and she was put on a respirator for 28 days with word from the doctors that her parents should make plans for Sherry’s passing. Sherry removed part of her breathing tube on the 28th day and started breathing on her own. In a week, they brought her home with a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, diabetes type two, and lymphedema in both her arms and legs, which she needs to pump two hours daily.
In 2023, Sherry was hospitalized for a week for a pancreatic infection. And in 2024, she had thyroid cancer and had her thyroid removed. The outcome of that was they got all the cancer. However, she has a paralyzed vocal cord and a hiatal hernia, which they are currently working with doctors for answers on how to resolve.
Despite these daunting health challenges, Sherry has a special mission to show appreciation to all those in the emergency medical services community, particularly the paramedics of the UPMC Williamsport Hospital.
“In 2020, when COVID hit hard, we received word that the Emergency Medical Services workers of Lycoming County were struggling mentally and physically with all the illness and death from COVID. When Sherry heard us talking about this, she wanted to color them pictures. So, she colored pictures, and I sent a note explaining who Sherry was to the EMS,” Sharlene told Webb Weekly.
“She got a response and was then excited to make a video for them telling them how good they were and that God loves them. She then got a video response from the EMS. So, at Christmas of 2020, she wanted to collect snacks and drinks to take to them to thank them for all their hard work. She took the snacks and drinks to their building, and they fell in love with Sherry. Thanking her for all her love and reaching out to them at a time when they most needed it. In 2021, they invited Sherry to meet all of the EMS personnel and come to their picnic. She had her picture taken with them, and they showed her all their equipment, which made Sherry’s day. And so began Sherry’s Mission, a project to collect snacks and drinks for the EMS every year to thank them for a job well done.”
Sharlene said Sherry loves EMS and waves to them whenever she sees them in the community. Sherry turned 50 this year and asked her guests to come to her party, and instead of gifts to bring snacks or drinks for her EMS mission project. Items filled the living room and on April 1st, the delivery was made. The items delivered included many different varieties of snacks and drinks and, again, a great round of smiles and hugs.
Sherry loves cows, which she fell in love with from visiting Pappy Clapper’s farm in Laceyville, Pennsylvania.
She also loves Elton John and has attended three of his concerts, shouting and rocking out to his music.
Her hobbies are bowling, Superstar Drum exercise at the YMCA, bingo, going to the casino, going to the movies, going to Crosscutters games in the summer, and just being out in the community to wave and smile at everyone.
Sherry has five amazing caregivers who help her bathe and dress each morning, help with her pumping, and take her to her events in the community.
Sherry’s favorite songs are “Rockin’ Robin,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Turn Your Radio On.” Her reaction is always screaming and dancing.
Sherry loves Jesus, and you can see that when you meet her. If you don’t, she will tell you, “I love Jesus,” and she can tell you that in sign language as well. Sherry’s favorite sayings are “I’m happy,” “Woweee,” and “What are we having to eat?” or “I need a snack.”
She no doubt got her infectious smile from her grandfather, the late Johnny Miller, whom I knew personally as one of my ballpark buddies at Bowman Field attending Crosscutters games.
Sherry Clapper has had to overcome a lot, yet she cheerfully and unselfishly gives of herself to others and derives a great sense of satisfaction and pride in doing this. She is an inspirational person who is worthy to be emulated. We all deal with adversity in a variety of ways, and Sherry does so through her kindness and unselfish support of the EMS community.
Her mother is very proud of her, stating, “Raising Sherry has been a struggle as well as a blessing. The struggles have been the health issues and finding the right services for her situation. The blessings are watching her accomplish all the things the doctors said she would never do and more. Watching her love life, and people, and sharing her love of Jesus with her community. Her dad agrees 100 percent.”
