Sydney

Sydney our four year old amazing little girl is always thinking about others. Sydney seemed to know the meaning of giving and always thought of others before herself. Any time she would be given something, she made sure that the people around her could share what she had. Before she knows you she is very shy but then once she opens up to you she is a sweetheart. She wanted to be a firefighter and loves to draw, swim and especially liked jumping in muddy puddles. She adores her older sister and enjoys her younger brother. Just after New Year's and only a week before diagnosis, our Sydney did not want to do the normal fun things she always loved to do. Sydney was usually very brave and courageous, however after Christmas break she did not want to go to preschool. Also, we noticed she started regressing in her speech and started using more "baby talk." Her walking was unsteady and she kept falling. When sitting her feet were tense and curled up. She stopped being able to control her urine and her handwriting regressed.

After two days of seeing Sydney fall numerous times, they took Sydney back to the pediatrician who sent them to Children's Hospital Orange County for more tests and on January 15th, CHOC did a CT scan and MRI. The next day Sydney was diagnosed with a Brain Cancer tumor (DIPG). Since then she has been very strong receiving Radiation treatments for several weeks along with a regiment of steroids. We know she has been in pain, but she never complains. Unfortunately, the tumor has progressed and in the last two weeks she cannot use her legs, right arm, can barely open one eye and cannot speak. We worked with hospice to make our little Angel as comfortable as possible. On 5/8/20, our sweet girl passed away peacefully with us right by her side. She will forever be our guardian angel.

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Special thank you to Tami Shankel.