Cheri
Blauwet
Sheldon Service Unit
 Cheri
Blauwet, marathon winner, Paralympic gold medalist, and current medical
student at Stanford University describes her experience at Iowa Vocational
Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) as “amazing” and readily shares
her story.
Referred by the guidance counselor at West Lyon High School in Inwood,
Iowa, Cheri’s path with IVRS started with goal setting. Cheri knew
exactly what she wanted - an Olympic medal and a college degree. Physically
and intellectually she went to work and her dedication and hard work paid
off.
Already an accomplished champion at the state level, Cheri went on to
compete at the collegiate level as a student at the University of Arizona,
in national marathons and in the International Paralympic Games. She brought
home gold, silver, and bronze medals from the Paralympic Games, multiple
1st place finishes in the New York City,
Los Angeles, and Boston Marathons, and multiple “outstanding athlete”
award nominations. Currently training for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic
Games, Cheri continues to set “personal best” records in various
competitions.
In 2003 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University
of Arizona. Now a medical student at Stanford University in Palo Alto,
California, Cheri plans to complete a residency in physical medicine and
rehabilitation. Her ultimate career goal as a practicing physician is
to promote physical activity and social empowerment for all individuals.
Intent on impacting public policy, her next goal might be a master’s
degree in public policy or public health.
Keenly aware of the disparity in mobility accommodations and the stigma
associated with disability, Cheri promotes disability rights and empowerment
to audiences across the globe. An accomplished public speaker, she shares
the value of physical activity and the cost society incurs when persons
with disabilities cannot participate.
Throughout it all, Cheri has found an ally in IVRS. First in mapping
her goals then in financial assistance with college, IVRS has been with
Cheri and will continue to be with her until she accomplishes her employment
goal.
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