Sydney epitomizes strength and compassion. Her oldest sister was diagnosed after Sydney was born, and Sydney was diagnosed at age 12. She remembers her mother – who recently passed away from cancer – waking up in the middle of the night for years to check on them, raising thousands of dollars for JDRF through letter-writing campaigns, and encouraging Sydney to apply for Children’s Congress.

Sydney epitomizes strength and compassion. Her oldest sister was diagnosed after Sydney was born, and Sydney was diagnosed at age 12. She remembers her mother – who recently passed away from cancer – waking up in the middle of the night for years to check on them, raising thousands of dollars for JDRF through letter-writing campaigns, and encouraging Sydney to apply for Children’s Congress. With that same spirit of passionate philanthropy, Sydney wants to help others who have diabetes to stay positive. “I’m very excited about helping others through my words and actions,” she says.
Sydney’s participated in 13 Walks, and met with legislators several times to encourage their support of diabetes research. “I have faith in our legislators – [and in the belief] that personal stories and individual efforts DO matter in Washington,” she says. Sydney, who loves movies and air hockey, plans to become a genetic scientist for animals after college.