Sheryl Berk is an award-winning playwright, lyricist, journalist and eight-time New York Times bestselling author. The founding Editor-in-Chief of Life & Style Weekly, she has written and collaborated on more than 50 books, including the #1 bestseller Soul Surfer, adapted into the hit feature film.

Sheryl is currently the book writer and lyricist of BIG MAN, a new musical inspired in part by her family’s journey with dementia and now in development with a Broadway creative and producing team. Through music, humor and heart, BIG MAN challenges perceptions of aging and dementia, celebrates the dignity and identity of those living with cognitive change, and shines a light on the family and caregiver experience, helping caregivers feel seen and heard while encouraging empathy, understanding and connection. Its music has been performed by Broadway stars Ramin Karimloo and Kevin Chamberlin with all proceeds from song downloads going to support the Alzheimer’s Association.

For Sheryl, storytelling is a way to change the conversation around dementia: to see the person beyond the diagnosis, honor those who walk beside them, and remind us that connection is always possible.