“When we win, people say we’re great at developing players, and when we lose, we don’t go in the (transfer) portal enough. It’s kind of like being married, right? Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.” Not everyone can literally compare the issues associated with progressing college basketball teams with literal marriage. Then again, not everyone is Matt Painter. Not only has the 54-year-old Purdue basketball coach been married twice, he had to go through a very difficult period during his recent marriage. Something that no amount of stress or even preparedness on the basketball court could prepare you for: a cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, he and Sherry emerged out of the experience stronger, and with a new outlook towards this disease.

Therefore, without any further ado, let us get to know more about this brave cancer survivor.

Who is Matt Painter’s cancer-surviving wife Sherry?

Matt Painter got married to his second wife, Sherry, back in October 2018. It is not known exactly how long they knew each other before they eventually tied the knot. Both Matt and Sherry were previously married. The college basketball coach was earlier married to Jerri Painter from 2003 to 2013, while Sherri’s former partner is a man named Stephen Plevin.

In an interview with the American Cancer Society, Sherry recalled that she first learned about her invasive breast cancer diagnosis back in Fall 2020. It was just one day before Thanksgiving, and one day before Matt Painter and his Purdue squad were set to have their first game of the season. She recalled how, throughout the game, she was lost in thought to the point that she did not remember the score, but only the fact that Purdue won the game. The diagnosis in itself was a life-changing moment for the basketball coach. “When something of this nature happens, you want to fix it. That’s your job as a coach… to fix things when they go wrong,” said Matt during the interview with the American Cancer Society.

After Sherri’s battle with breast cancer, both she and Matt became actively involved in cancer-fighting campaigns. Together with the American Cancer Society, they participated in an initiative called “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign to help create more awareness about cancer, and advocate for preventive measures. Back in October 2021, Sherri highlighted a picture of her and Matt in which he wore a pink shirt. The post was accompanied by a caption that read “Yes, My husband wears Pink!”. Through their contribution, and that of so many others, the American Cancer Society was able to generate over $200,000 through the campaign.

What does Sherry Painter do for a living?

According to reports, Sherry is a former flight attendant and a trained nurse. Currently, her focus is towards advocacy work as a breast cancer survivor, connecting directly with the people who look to sought her help and guidance. After their involvement with the “Real Men Wear Pink” campaign, the Painters reportedly remain committed in the fight for cancer awareness. Through their involvement in multiple programs, the couple emphasizes towards the need for early detection and readily available healthcare resources.

Do Matt and Sherry painter have kids together?

Matt and Sherry do not have any children together. However, both of them have children from their previous marriage. Matt has two daughters, Maggie and Emma, from his previous marriage with Jerry Painter. Additionally, the coach also has a son, Brayden, from a relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Kim Lei. Meanwhile, Sherri reportedly has an unnamed son, and a daughter, from her previous marriage to Stephen Plevin. Maggie herself had enrolled in Purdue University back in 2013. She graduated back in 2017 with a degree in hospitality and hotel management.

Together, Matt and Sherri have taken steps to spread awareness about a beautiful cause. Along with that, Matt continues to see success with his Purdue squad, with the team having recently reached the ‘Sweet 16’ stage for the third time in 5 years. Whether this will finally be the year Purdue sees a championship title come their way, after having barely missed it last year, remains to be seen.