Dr. Cheryl Paradis, a highly respected and beloved certified OBGYN from Elgin, Illinois, has passed away unexpectedly. Dr. Paradis, who was born in Chicago on December 26, 1966, had an illustrious career in medicine, marked by her dedication and passion for patient care.
Cheryl was a graduate of Downers Grove South High School and went on to earn her baccalaureate degree from Loyola University Chicago, where she graduated with honors and was an active member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the premedical honor society. She continued her education at Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine, where she met her future husband, Dr. John Fiedler, and graduated as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.
After completing her OB/GYN residency at the University of Michigan, Cheryl began her remarkable career at Fox Valley Women’s Healthcare, which later became Midwest Center for Women’s HealthCare (MCWHC), in 1997. Her calm demeanor, empathy, and surgical expertise were widely recognized and appreciated by both her colleagues and patients. Cheryl played a significant role in the growth of MCWHC, serving in various leadership positions, including assistant chief and chief of the OB/GYN department.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cheryl was a devoted mother to her two sons, JT and Nate, and had a vibrant personal life. She was an avid reader, fitness enthusiast, and traveler, having recently completed a hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Cheryl was known for her generosity, her ability to connect with people, and her unwavering support for the underdog.
Cheryl battled an aggressive form of Cutaneous T cell lymphoma with remarkable courage. In May, she underwent a stem cell transplant, with cells donated by her sister Pam. Despite overcoming numerous challenges, Cheryl succumbed to a devastating infection while her immune system was still compromised following the transplant.
She is survived by her husband John, their sons JT and Nate, her father Hal, her sister Pam, her brother Todd, and a large extended family. Cheryl’s passing is a profound loss to her family, friends, colleagues, and the many patients whose lives she touched throughout her career.