Who is Cheryl Jenkins
Cheryl Jenkins’ bubbly personality makes her one of those people who never meets a stranger. But it’s Cheryl’s reaction to adversity that makes her an Amazing Senior. When life presents an obstacle, she researches and takes action. Cheryl’s actions take the form of helping others in similar situations. 
She has done this through writing and through advocacy for a local non-profit. Cheryl grew up in Ohio and attended Youngstown State University. Her first career was in government security. She worked at Rockwell International for nearly 10 years, then went on to become an Administrator for Security and Export Control at United Space Alliance. Cheryl moved to Florida in the 1980s, and she has called Florida home ever since. Cheryl spent 23 years in aerospace, leaving the space program in 2011 when the shuttle was retired. She decided to go into real estate. Her outgoing personality is one of the qualities that make her the successful real estate consultant she is today. Winner of the “Pride in Profession” award, Cheryl has been a member of the Honor Society of the New Smyrna Beach Board of Realtors. She also served as the treasurer and is currently serving on the Board of Directors. Diabetes is a subject that is dear to Cheryl. At the age of 51, Cheryl was diagnosed with insulin-dependent type-1 diabetes (T1D). After dealing with the emotional and physical toll of such a diagnosis, Cheryl delved into research, learning all she could about the disease. After learning about Help a Diabetic Child Foundation, Cheryl set out to develop a division in Volusia county.
There is a significant population of children diagnosed with T1D whose parents are unable to afford the costly supplies. This non-profit organization connects with families and physicians, purchasing insulin and other diabetic medical supplies for children in need of short-term assistance. Cheryl is the Director of Operations for Help a Diabetic Child Volusia County division. The organization sponsors fund-raising events and outreach programs throughout the year and is funded through donations. To learn more about the organization or to make a donation, visit https://helpadiabeticchild.org/volusia-county-division/ Just prior to being diagnosed with T1D, Cheryl found her life turned upside down. Her elderly mother—who still lived in Ohio—had fallen and needed major medical help. Cheryl immediately flew to Ohio to be with her mother. The injuries and general health were such that her mother would need a long hospital stay and rehabilitation. Medical professionals recommended that she would not be stable enough to live independently any longer. Cheryl began the daunting task of sorting her family’s lifelong belongings—not just her mother’s, but her father’s and also items belonging to her younger brother, both of whom previously passed away.
The decision was made to move her mother from her home of 50 years. Over the course of 30 days and with Cheryl trying to keep a semblance of order in her own life, she was able to move her mother to Florida and sell the family home so she could be nearby for any needs. Cheryl’s way of dealing with this life challenge took an unexpected turn. While many people would feel overwhelmed, Cheryl took this as an opportunity to share her story and help others who find themselves in a similar situation. Cheryl wrote a book, entitled She Just Wanted To Dance Again, which chronicles her journey through caring for her elderly mother. The first part of the book reads like a memoir, where the reader is privy to some details about Cheryl’s younger life. But it doesn’t stop there. Cheryl included some practical advice in the book. There are lists and resources. She explains what she learned from her own experience. The book is available through Amazon https://www.amazon.com/She-Just-Wanted-DanceAgain/dp/1440107750. Cheryl’s reaction to adversity is what makes her an Amazing Senior. She is inspiring in the way she takes an obstacle in her life and turns it into an avenue to reach out and help others. OurSeniors.net Magazine and the OurSeniors.net organization are here to provide resources and serve the needs of seniors. Contact OurSeniors.net, or by calling 866-333-2657.
