Iriele Chery, a young woman from upstate New York, has always been drawn to the health care field. As a child, she was fascinated by pregnancies and babies. Little did she know, this passion would eventually transform into a life-changing mission — a tribute to her parents and a way to honor their memory.

Growing up, Chery had a warm, nurturing personality, which made her a natural in the health care setting. Her desire to help others became even more profound after the devastating loss of her mother. When Chery was just a freshman in high school, she experienced a traumatic event that would change her life forever. Her mother passed away from an aneurysm and heart attack. Chery was sitting with her mother in the living room when it happened, and though she rushed to get help, it was too late. The emotional toll of this loss was immense, plunging Chery into deep grief and depression.

“I remember sitting in the emergency room, the waiting room for about, not even 15 minutes. I prayed so hard, and they said they did everything they could, but my mom was gone,” Chery said.

The grief was overwhelming. Chery fell into a severe depression, struggling to find her way through the darkness.

“I went down really, really bad, really bad depression to the point where I think I was trying to kill myself almost every other day,” she said.

Even in the depths of her pain, Chery found the strength to persevere. In 2023, she faced another heartbreaking loss: the passing of her father. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Chery refused to let grief define her. Instead, she honored her parents by pursuing her dreams in health care.

Chery is working two jobs while attending Herkimer BOCES’ adult practical nursing program as a full-time student. Her goal is to become a nurse, and she’s already making strides in the field. She’s a certified doula and helped deliver a baby. But Chery isn’t stopping there. 

“My ultimate goal is to eventually have my own birthing center to help women all across the world,” Chery said.

Chery’s journey is a testament to her resilience, her dedication to bringing life into the world, and her unwavering determination to make her parents proud. Despite facing unimaginable loss, she continues to shine brightly, offering hope and healing to others.

Chery is on track to graduate in June, and her future is filled with promise. She is proof that even after the darkest of times, it’s possible to rise, find purpose, and bring light to others.