About Us
Established in November 2022 under The Ronnie Sherrill Project (TRSP), we rebranded in 2024 as the Friends Foundation of the Carolinas. Our new name reflects our commitment to cultivating relationships, which was pivotal to Ronnie, who inspired our founding. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we provide a support network and resources for people living with neuromuscular disease and their families in the greater Charlotte area, including Mecklenburg, Union, Stanly, Cabarrus, Rowan, Iredell, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, Cleveland, York, Chester, and Lancaster counties.
Uniting people regularly who face similar daily challenges enables them to share information and support one another. We foster connections by hosting at least five events annually to unite families and develop lifelong, supportive friendships. In addition, we provide financial assistance opportunities for uninsured accessibility solutions to equip individuals and their families with a safe way to navigate their homes and travel to and from our events. Finally, we offer a Family Weekend camp designed for the entire family and/or caregivers to escape their daily challenges, participate in new activities, and have fun. Our events, accessibility solutions, and camp experience empower people with neuromuscular disease and their families to live their best life possible.
Our Story
It all started with a humble giver who was a friend to everyone. He saw a need and would find a way to make it happen. Always working behind the scenes, no one knew Ronald Glenn Sherrill, affectionately known as Ronnie, was the mastermind behind connecting people to help families in need, especially those living with neuromuscular disease. Ronnie Sherrill lived the commandment of “love thy neighbor” by supporting local charities and helping others. Our organization was founded in the spirit of that commandment and in memory of a friendship of equality, honesty and respect formed between a community leader and a young man living with neuromuscular disease.
Ronnie was known for bringing people together, and after his passing, his friends rallied with a deep determination to find a way to honor his legacy. Inspired by his kindness and compassion, the vision for our organization was born. By gathering a small group of people living with neuromuscular disease, we discovered that families wanted regular gatherings among friends and peers facing the same or similar medically complex situations. Families uplift one another and find comfort and strength when they know they aren’t alone in their daily challenges, can share information, and belong to a community of supporters.
Our Board
Polytech Services Inc
NuMotion Assistive Technology Professional
Controller, Innovative Driver Services
Community Volunteer
Communication Studies Master’s Student UNC Charlotte
SteelFab, Inc
Bank of America
Executive Director Friends Foundation
Our Mission
The Friends Foundation’s mission is to create and maintain a community support system to help enhance the life experience of those living with neuromuscular disease.