Because I Can: A Story of Inspiration & Emunah

Cheri Srour is many things. She is strength, tenacity, resilience, hope, and, above all else, Emunah. Once, she was just like anyone else. An 18 year old girl who had just graduated Flatbush Yeshivah with a passion for dance. It was around this time when her whole life and the future she imagined for herself turned upside down.

Before she could even process what was happening, within a span of just two weeks, Cheri found herself unable to move, swallow, or even breathe on her own. Basically, Cheri was paralyzed. Cheri was diagnosed with an autoimmune neurological disorder.

After a few months in the hospital she regained some strength and was able to breath on her own again. Cheri had to re-learned almost everything including things like how to swallow. With a lot of effort, Cheri was even able to take a few steps on her own, but it was clear her body and her life would never be the same again.

When Cheri got home from the hospital, in a wheelchair, she had some serious soul searching to do. How would she accept this massive challenge as her new normal? 

“When I first realized that this was my new life, I had a very hard time accepting it. I was in denial,” explained Cheri of her ordeal, “So I threw in my Emunah card and literally stayed in my room waiting for something to magically happen. The thing is, the Emunah card can be a bit tricky. If you don't use it with the right mindset, the card will not work.”

She then made the decision to take matters into her own hands and start living the life she was given. This was ‘no piece of cake’ as she puts it. But with the loving support of her family, friends, and Sephardic Bikur Cholim, Cheri continued gaining strength and went back to school. Cheri Graduated magna cum laude from Brooklyn College, and earned her degree in health and psychology.

At times, especially in the beginning, Cheri found herself asking many questions beginning with ‘why’? Why me, why now, why this?

“I woke up one day and decided that I didn't want to feel like that anymore, or ever again. So I changed. Just like that. I put all my faith in God and trusted that wherever life took me, God was already there,” said Cheri powerfully.

It was then that she decided to ‘just keep swimming’ and encouraged everyone around her to do the same. Cheri influences anyone she can to also push through their hardships, no matter what their struggle may be. This is the hesed Cheri gives back to our community and to anyone who needs her help. Her message to live life to the fullest and don’t let hard or negative things get you down is something she tries to instill in anyone who needs it.

Cheri is truly living her life to the fullest extent with her new found perspective. She has raised thousands of dollars for SBH.

“SBH didn't just bring me back to life, but gave me a reason to live,” expressed Cheri of her connection to the organization.

Cheri has participated in multiple fundraising races with SBH, being pushed along with a smile. On top of that, Cheri has addressed many crowds with her inspirational speeches of hope, perseverance, and Emunah.

She is also on the Many Thanks Concert committee, an annual SBH event that highlights love and gratitude to Hashem. Cheri has made many friends through her experiences with her magnetic personality and infinite smile. If you are fortunate enough to meet her, she’s sure to brighten your day.

“I may not be able to do the things you do, but what I can do will surprise you,” said Cheri of her resilience. Cheri is best known throughout social media for her hashtag she has created, #BecauseICan.

check out Cheri’s website, BecICan.com, to learn more about Cheri and her spectacularly positive life.

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Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.