Sydney Marie’s story began on Thursday, May 17th, 3 days after her 7th birthday. We took Sydney to the doctor because she was lethargic, had some unusual bruising, and was quite pale. After blood results and a doctor's visit, we were sent to Arkansas Children's Hospital where she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Sydney received intense chemotherapy for eight months and is now in the maintenance stage of treatment where she still receives chemo every Monday, but less intense and will continue until the conclusion of her 2 1/2 to 3 year treatment program. Although we have a long way to go, she is doing very well and has been quite the trooper.

Sissy (as her brother Hunter, mom, and dad) like to call her has amazed us all with how brave and strong she has been throughout this battle. And, not only has she been brave, she has remained quite the socialite, drama queen, and DIVA at the same time. It is not rare to hear her at the hospital belting out songs from “Annie” to the nurses and anyone else that will listen or singing and laughing in her hospital bed at 3:00 or 4:00 in the morning. She loves people and gives the best hugs to everybody! She loves music, loves to dance and loves to watch musicals. And, she can’t wait to get back to Hippotherapy (riding horses for therapy). She was able to meet and sing backstage with the entire cast of “Annie” at a performance earlier this year. It brought tears to all of our eyes. She also loves swinging, playing outside and playing with her dog Reecie. Sydney is loved by so many people and has touched many hearts during her battle, but as far as Sydney is concerned, the battle is WON!! If you would like to keep up with our little DIVA, Sydney, and her journal, check out her site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/sydneymarie.