Chera lived in Waterbury her entire life. A former legal administrator, her life changed drastically when she was diagnosed with a rare disease 35 years ago leaving her critically ill. She unfortunately found that her health insurance was insufficient for her needs and there were few other options for someone with a pre-existing condition.

Chera began to lobby for laws to protect physically disabled from being denied health insurance. Thanks in part to her influence, disabled adults are now eligible for Medicare benefits. As a result of her personal experience of fighting for improved care and resources, Chera learned that her true passion was in advocating for the rights of others – especially the disabled and elderly – and thus she formed CAS Consulting and has helped hundreds of clients over the years obtain the care and services they need.

She was an incredibly passionate person; Chera’s other love was music! Much of her home was dedicated to musical instruments that she encourages visitors to enjoy. It was common for Chera to have a home full of people of all ages jamming on her guitars, drums and piano. While going through her own estate planning process, she was introduced to the Alexander Jordan Jamieson Foundation, which is now providing music instruction to students at Children’s Community School.

Chera was thrilled that her collection of musical instruments and equipment will all be donated to CCS after her death. And her bequest through Connecticut Community Foundation will provide annual support for the music program at Children’s Community School, including instructor salaries, equipment, repairs and enrichment activities.