Obituary: Debra Sherman

Editor-in-chief Stephen Adler, announcing her passing, described her as a much beloved and admired colleague and said: “Deb’s signature mix of humor and moxie made her a fierce reporter and wonderful friend to so many of her colleagues around the world. She covered healthcare for more than a decade, breaking news on the medical device industry and writing considered pieces on such subjects as the rising financial toll posed by a cancer diagnosis.

“After learning of her own illness, she employed that expertise in fighting the disease and imparting to readers honest accounts of her experience. Her ‘Cancer in Context’ blog attracted a wide following among oncologists, cancer patients and their loved ones.”

Her posts blended a critical look at new studies on cancer and suggestions on how to navigate treatment. She also talked about how her disease affected her relationships with friends and family, including her two children, Alex and Stella. It also attracted the notice of an Irish documentary filmmaker, who interviewed her for a work in progress.

“It is hard for all of us to imagine the passing of a woman who was the personification of life and good spirits. Deb, who was 51, remained ‘loving and strong to the end,’ her husband Mark said. Deb is survived by her two children. The family is planning no memorial service or funeral, but would like to throw a party after a period of time. Anyone who knew Deb knows that she’d agree with that approach.”

In Sherman’s memory, Reuters re-published an excerpt from her inaugural post that Adler said spoke to her bravery and spirit. It said:

“If there has been an upside to this dreaded disease it is that people are so kind when they find out I have cancer, even nicer than when I was pregnant with my two children. Loved ones seem to love me more, or tell me so more often. Everyone wants to do things for me and offer help. The love has come from some unexpected people and warms my heart in indescribable ways. At times, the outpouring feels as if it could actually cure me.” ■