If there’s one thing Sheryl has taught the countless people she’s helped, it’s that life keeps moving—whether you’re ready or not.

Chances are, if you are reading this, you or someone you love has been touched by the compassion, wisdom, humor, and healing presence of Sheryl A. Smith.

Sheryl has spent her life showing up for others. Whether professionally or personally, she brings generosity, warmth, and a playful spirit that lifts everyone around her. She is truly one of those rare humans who makes the world softer and stronger at the same time.

As a two-time cancer survivor, she now faces a third diagnosis with the same strength and grace that has defined her life. What fewer people know is that the radiation treatments that saved her life also left her with significant mobility deficits, years of chronic, intense pain, and ongoing medical complications—battles she has faced quietly and with extraordinary resilience.

Sheryl has spent decades lifting others through their darkest moments—as a crisis intervention specialist, mental health consultant, professor, mentor, and friend. She has helped thousands find hope, healing, and strength, and has created programs that continue to save lives in our community today.

Now, she needs us.

After months of testing, Sheryl required a full hysterectomy following a cancer diagnosis, with additional treatment and physical therapy ahead. As you would expect, she is meeting this diagnosis with the same courage, grace, and steady heart that she has always shown.

Many of these life-saving procedures are not covered by insurance, creating a heavy financial burden during an already difficult time. Many of you know that Sheryl is a two-time chondromyxoid liposarcoma survivor (very rare) that developed in her upper left thigh.

If Sheryl has ever touched your life—or if you believe in supporting someone who has given so much—please consider donating, sharing her story, or sending your love and support.

Please join me and come together to help Sheryl fight—and win—this battle once again.

From those whose lives Sheryl has touched:

"Have you ever met someone that you feel like you’ve known forever?

When Sheryl came into my life five years ago, it didn’t take long for me to warm up to her. She had a calm and inviting presence that felt familiar. I was able to be vulnerable during my darkest times, and she lovingly listened and held the space for me to find my path to sobriety and freedom.

Recovery is something that Sheryl and I have in common, so in hindsight I see how much Sheryl’s wisdom from her own journey was paid forward to me throughout that process.

I learned from Sheryl that life is not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. There will be days that are harder than others, and in those times, we have to remember to allow ourselves to feel our emotions and continue to breathe.

Since finding sobriety 45 years ago, Sheryl was given a second chance at life. During that time, she has had to bear the news of two cancer diagnoses and put her life on pause to endure intensive surgical procedures, radiation, and other treatments. These treatments caused significant damage to the tissue and ligaments in her leg and hip.

Despite these hardships, she still wakes up every day with gratitude and pays it forward in any way she can.

In many cases, paying it forward doesn’t involve finances or money—it simply means sharing your knowledge and experience with someone who is walking a similar path that you’ve already taken. When Sheryl found sobriety, she chose to dedicate her life to paying it forward in the hopes of helping others in need.

Sheryl has done exactly that for me.

I know Sheryl had been talking about joining Deborah in retiring soon, having yet another chance for a new lease on life. For reasons beyond our understanding, cancer has come knocking on her door a third time, right as she was about to pick up the pen and start writing this next chapter.

As Sheryl prepares to face treatment once again, the financial burden that comes with ongoing medical care, appointments, and time away from work is significant. Our hope is that this fundraiser can help ease some of that stress so she can focus her energy where it matters most—on healing and recovery.

The only way I know how to pay it forward right now is to advocate for Sheryl and her recovery. Given our country’s healthcare system, she is facing astronomical costs outside of what insurance will cover, which is where I believe community can come together to make an impact.

Whether big or small, giving is giving, and every contribution undoubtedly makes a positive difference."