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Nurse remembered for teaching emergency medicine
From excerpts found on ChicagoSunTimes.com:
Cheryl Michalek, fondly known as "Trauma Mama" for her blend of sharpness and nurturing care, spent decades teaching emergency medical techniques to countless first responders. Her influence extended far beyond her immediate students, as they shared their knowledge with newer generations of paramedics, firefighters, and police officers across the south and southwest suburbs.
Mrs. Michalek passed away on March 5 at her home in Riverdale after battling Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind a legacy cherished by those she touched. Her funeral was a poignant gathering of firefighters and police officers in full uniform, with tributes like the Dolton Fire Department flying the American flag from an elevated ladder.
For years, Cheryl would end her shifts at Little Company of Mary Hospital and then head straight to the EMS courses she volunteered to lead. Her teachings emphasized treating every patient as family, a philosophy championed by Midlothian Fire Chief Stephen M. Hotwagner. Despite facing challenges in commanding attention from over-confident yet inexperienced trainees, she maintained a firm yet humble demeanor. Her wit could be sharp—when confronted by a know-it-all student, she’d challenge them to "get yourself up here and teach."
Dr. Bernie Heilicser of Ingalls Hospital described her as passionate and humble, recalling how she trained so many with dedication. Among her notable students were three Chicago fire commissioners—James Joyce, Ray Orozco Jr., and Robert Hoff, according to her son Gary Michalek, himself a firefighter. Dr. Michael O’Mara of Little Company of Mary noted her pioneering role in educating EMTs across the South Side.
Even outside her professional life, Cheryl remained a devoted mother. Sue Stacey, a dispatch supervisor, remembered her mom rummaging through her purse for pennies just to afford a pool pass. Though the family didn’t take extravagant vacations, they always made time for meaningful moments like Sunday dinners. Another son, Rick, recalled how she’d host study sessions for struggling students, while Scott, a Metra conductor, followed in her footsteps.
Cheryl leaves behind 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, continuing her impact through the next generation. Her memory stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and the profound difference one person can make in countless lives.