On October 11, the lives of an entire family changed in an instant when Sherry Dennis Murphy, a mother of four, a dedicated school district employee of 19 years, and the caretaker of her family’s 55-year-old farm, was severely injured in a tragic mowing accident. The accident left her with a C5–C6 spinal cord injury, paralyzing her from the chest down with the loss of motor function in her hands.
Sherry was airlifted to Medical Center of the Rockies, where surgeons performed a six-hour emergency operation to stabilize her spine. After spending 13 difficult days in the ICU, she began the long, emotional road of rehabilitation — a journey her family never imagined they would have to walk, it has been overwhelming in ways the family can barely explain — emotionally, physically, and financially.
Sherry has always been the heart of her family. As a mother of four, she has worked tirelessly her entire life to provide for her children, raise them with strength and love, and make sure they always had what they needed. At the same time, she has poured nearly two decades of service into the school district, where she is known for her kindness, integrity, and unwavering commitment to Yuma Schools.
Outside of work, Sherry has kept her family’s 55-year-old farm alive, running it as a hobby farm filled with chickens, goats, donkeys and the simple joy of caring for animals. Selling eggs, raising goats, and tending her land brought her peace and purpose — and it kept a cherished family tradition thriving. The land where the accident happened isn’t just a property — it’s the family’s history. Sherry’s dad, Larry Dennis, built that farm with his own hands. He worked every day of his life to provide for his family on that very ground. Sherry has carried that legacy with so much pride. Now, everything has changed as her family faces overwhelming challenges as they try to bring her home.
“This is our mom,” the family shared. “She has given everything — to her four kids, to her work and to her farm. She deserves the chance to come home. But the medical costs, the equipment, the renovations… it’s overwhelming.”
Accessible vehicles, home modifications, medical care, and long-term rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries are expensive and time consuming. The family is desperately seeking grants, assistance programs, and community support to help Sherry come home safely and regain as much independence as possible.
Anyone wishing to support the family — through donations, resources, or volunteer help — is encouraged to reach out. They have a bank account set up at Bank of Colorado under Sherry Dennis Murphy Donation Account. They also have a Venmo (@Sherry-DennisMurphy) and Go Fund Me (gofund.me/51f9f01fe) available.
Through heartbreak and uncertainty, Sherry’s family remains deeply grateful for the compassion, prayers, and encouragement from the community she has been a part of for so many years.