Sydnie
Age 11
The Medical Center
Schwachman-Diamond Syndrome
Sydnie’s medical diagnosis may contain the phrase “failure to thrive,” but it certainly doesn’t apply to her lifestyle. Shwachman-Diamond syndrome occurs in about one of every 50,000 births and affects many parts of the body — particularly the pancreas, bone marrow and skeletal system, causing vitamin deficiency and malabsorption.
Sydnie receives nutrients and infection-fighting medical treatments once every six weeks. Despite how tiring and unpleasant these all-day treatments are, family, friends and staff all comment that Sydnie “has a spirit like no other” and never complains.
Six years after her diagnosis, Sydnie is now enjoying school, especially art class. She is a fourth grade straight-A student and has received numerous academic awards. She loves cooking with her mom, playing with her dogs and doing arts and crafts. Her determination will no doubt allow her to achieve her goals, namely to ride a bike without training wheels and to swim like a champ.
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