Cheryl Pistono, born on September 6, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, may not be a widely recognized public figure, but her story reveals a life of bold choices, deep convictions, and a meaningful impact far beyond her connection to NBA icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At 68 years old in 2025, she remains a woman of strength, spiritual depth, and unwavering independence, choosing a life guided by inner growth over public attention.
Humble Beginnings and Early Independence
Cheryl grew up in a modest, working-class family. Her parents, John Joseph Pistono Jr. and Sylvia Ann Waclaw, raised five children in a tight-knit home rooted in traditional values like hard work, loyalty, and community. But from a young age, Cheryl felt the urge to break free from convention and carve her own path.
At just 16 years old, she left her hometown of LaSalle and relocated to California, a move that would define the rest of her life. This wasn’t a rebellious escape—it was a deliberate choice driven by ambition, curiosity, and a desire to explore the world on her own terms. That early leap of faith became a recurring theme in Cheryl’s life: embracing uncertainty with resilience and purpose.
Embracing New Ideas on the West Coast
Settling into life in California, Cheryl pursued higher education at UCLA, where she was exposed to a vibrant mix of cultures, philosophies, and intellectual debates. It was during these formative college years that she began to study Buddhism, a spiritual path that would go on to influence nearly every aspect of her life.
Buddhism’s emphasis on mindfulness, self-awareness, and compassion deeply resonated with Cheryl. These values were not merely philosophical for her—they became tools for personal transformation and guiding principles in relationships, parenting, and work. The decision to commit to a spiritual lifestyle laid the groundwork for her influence on one of basketball’s greatest legends.
A Defining Relationship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
In the late 1970s, Cheryl met Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then a dominant force in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers. Their relationship, which lasted about seven years, was based on more than romance—it was a deep emotional and intellectual bond built on mutual respect and shared spiritual interests.
Kareem, already navigating fame and public pressure, found in Cheryl someone who challenged him to think beyond basketball. Her influence led him to delve deeper into Eastern philosophy and embrace a more introspective lifestyle. She encouraged Kareem’s spiritual evolution, helping him balance the responsibilities of his public image with his personal identity.
Their son, Amir Abdul-Jabbar, was born in 1980, adding a new dimension to Cheryl’s life. Though she and Kareem never married, they remained respectful co-parents following their 1985 split, maintaining a quiet and grounded approach to family life. Cheryl prioritized Amir’s well-being, keeping his childhood shielded from the spotlight.
Building a Life of Privacy and Purpose
After her relationship with Kareem ended, Cheryl continued to live by the principles that had shaped her young adult life. She later found love and companionship with Steven Jenkins, whom she eventually married. Together, they built a life in Los Angeles, raising three more children: Jesse, Taaj, and Brianna Jenkins.
While many with ties to celebrity figures pursue public platforms, Cheryl chose a different route. She avoided media attention, rarely gave interviews, and kept her personal life private. Her focus remained on family, spiritual growth, and self-sufficiency.
Professionally, Cheryl’s career has been as multifaceted as her personal journey. She pursued nursing, driven by a desire to help others. She also worked in law and accounting offices, reflecting her adaptability and strong work ethic. Later, she opted for self-employment, allowing her to work on her own terms and stay aligned with her values. As of 2023, Cheryl Pistono’s estimated net worth was around $400,000, the result of decades of consistent, grounded work rather than celebrity exposure or luxury-driven lifestyles.
Her Enduring Spiritual Legacy
Perhaps the most profound part of Cheryl’s legacy is her spiritual influence—not just on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but within her family and community. She continues to live by the tenets of Buddhism, embodying a lifestyle that prioritizes compassion, balance, and mindful living.
Kareem has spoken publicly about the role Cheryl played in helping him find clarity and peace beyond the court. Her presence in his life was a turning point in his own philosophical journey, which is now a defining part of his public identity. That quiet influence is a powerful part of Cheryl’s story—one that extends beyond fame and into meaningful transformation.
Portrayed on Screen but Still Private
Cheryl Pistono’s name resurfaced in popular culture in 2022, when actress Sarah Ramos portrayed her in the HBO series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.” The show dramatized key moments from the Lakers’ 1980s era, including her relationship with Kareem. While this portrayal introduced Cheryl to a new generation of viewers, she remained out of the spotlight, staying true to the path of modesty and discretion she’s followed her entire life.