Prior to Easter 2020, Sydney’s parents noticed she was not acting like herself, she had fevers and was not being her usual outgoing self.  She did not participate in the egg hunt and slept most of Easter Sunday. Due to COVID, Lyndsey was hesitant to take her to the local Emergency Room, so she went to a walk-in clinic. The walk-in clinic wasn’t able to do the bloodwork and other tests they thought might be necessary, so they sent her to the area hospital’s emergency room. The doctor in the ER said she was severely anemic, but her blood counts also indicated a chance of cancer. He then referred the family to Boston’s Children’s Hospital.

Sydney was diagnosed with B cell lymphoblastic leukemia; due to COVID her father had to learn about her diagnosis over the phone with a call with the doctor and Lyndsey.

Sydney started her treatment immediately and was in the hospital for 40 days.  She now receives treatment every 3 weeks and will continue to do so for 2 years.

Immediately the Jimmy Fund Clinic staff made the family feel at ease. The nurses listened to Sydney and to Lyndsey and made everyone feel comfortable.

They selected Dana-Farber because Adam is a union carpenter and had worked in the area on several projects.

She has a younger brother, Jack and two dogs. Charley and Boomer.

Lyndsey believes her daughter is an old soul, her favorite cereals are Special K and Raisin Bran and she is an early riser. She often starts her day at 5 am. She loves to craft, paint, color, reading and loves being a big sister.

Sydney enjoys being outdoors, she loves to hunt with her bow and her favorite place is the archery shop in Middleborough.

Sydney loves watching hockey, especially the Boston Bruins. Her two favorite players are Patrice Bergeron and Tuukka Rask.

Lyndsey said it took her family some time to learn be positive with Sydney’s situation. Seeing Sydney happy has had a huge impact on her entire family. Sydney’s strength has surprised her mom and dad.

Through this journey, Sydney has shown her family that she can handle anything, she is strong, and she has grown so much and found her voice. She is resilient.