Remembering Cheri

Cheri Amore was a vibrant young woman from the McHenry area. She lived a passionate life full of adventure, humor and loving relationships. Despite battling Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia from the age of three, Cheri brought energy and enthusiasm to every activity, inspiring others with her zest for life.

She lost her battle shortly after her 17th birthday but left a legacy of hope and courage for all who knew her. An honor student who loved cheerleading and dance, meeting new people and, above all, performing with her award-winning water ski team, Cheri never let the difficulties of bone marrow transplants or living with cancer slow her down.

Cheri experienced cancer four times in her life, and many forms of treatment, including four bone marrow transplants. She died as a result of complications from the fourth bone marrow procedure.

The Cheri Amore Garden of Hope symbolizes Cheri’s life. Every bend in the stream signifies a turn in her life: the rocky, bumpy portions when life was difficult, and the calm water for when her health was going well. The 17 small copper boats in the pond stand for each year of her life.

The Cheri Amore Garden of Hope was named to honor the wisdom, compassion and joy Cheri brought to her life and to those she loved, every day.