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Blog · December 12, 2018

Sydney, Wilms Tumor

Sydney on the beach featured

Remembering Sydney the Superhero

Sydney was just 5 years old when she was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor – a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. Sydney immediately started on a grueling treatment process that would span over multiple years. However, she did not let it take away from her happy and positive spirit that touched everyone around her.

Sydney-on-the-beach

Sydney’s first round of chemo was proving to get rid of the cancer, but after her 12th cycle of chemo, the doctors ran a scan and found out she had relapsed the first time. The doctors started a new form of chemo treatment and prepared Sydney for a stem cell transplant. The stem cell transplant was initially successful, but after just one year, she relapsed again. They did another round of chemo treatments and for four months she was cancer free before the cancer returned and doctors told her family that she was out of options.

Sydney with unicorn

Sadly, Sydney passed away in February of 2018. Sydney’s mom remembers her as an extremely loving child. She loved music and arts and crafts and when she was told that she only had months to live, she made a bucket list. The number one thing on that list was to collect 1,000 toys for kids in area hospitals. She would go on to collect more than 4,600 toys!

“Childhood cancer isn’t like adult cancers. Without organizations like CureSearch, who actually fund children’s cancer research, there will never be better treatment options or a cure,” said Dana, Sydney’s mom.

Help us give hope to families like Sydney’s – the hope that better treatments and cures are possible for our smallest cancer-fighting superheroes. Donate and help fund critical childhood cancer research today.

Ultimate Hike participants cheering together on the trail
Kids carrying a banner at a CureSearch Walk
Supporters holding a donation check from a local fundraiser
A young Ultimate Hike participant on the trail
A hiker wearing a backpack covered in CureSearch pins

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