September 19, 2011

The Day That Changed Everything

On September 19, 2011 I heard the four words any parent dreads to hear, "Your child has cancer". Sydney,15 at the time, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. I quickly educated myself and learned that Ewing'sis the rarest of childhood cancers with about 200 cases a year diagnosed in the United States. I alsolearned that cancer is the #1 killer of children in the United States. Sydney's tumor was located in herpelvic region where the tumor had wrapped itself around her sciatic nerve. Because of the location ofthe tumor, surgery was not an option. Sydney was in for the harshest regimens of chemotherapy ofany cancer. When you have a child stricken by a life-threatening disease it turns your family life upsidedown in every aspect. As a parent you cry every day.

I watched helplessly as the chemotherapy ravaged her body. Midway through her treatment, Sydney wasrequired to undergo radiation treatment contemporaneous with her chemotherapy. She received ProtonB radiation therapy at Shand's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. It was here that Sydney's outlook andattitude changed. She met and interacted with other children with cancer. Unfortunately, some of thefriends she made are no longer with us. In mid-April 2012 we were advised after repeat scans that thetumor was gone. She was required to finish her chemotherapy protocol and was declared cancer free onJune 23, 2012.

SIDES

How We Started

The Creation of SIDES

SIDES was created by local businesspeople a week after Sydney's diagnosis with an emphasis on assisting children and families in need affected by Ewing's Sarcoma. Shortly thereafter, SIDES developed a working relationship with The Hunstman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. There are only four Ewing's Sarcoma labs in the United States. Huntsman is headed by Dr. Stephen Lessnick, possibly the world's foremost expert on Ewing's Sarcoma. We have established and funded the SIDES scholar for Ewing's Sarcoma research and are very pleased with the results of their work. It is our goal continue to sponsor a SIDES scholar to help research and hopefully find a cure for this disease as quickly as possible. With the continued generosity of people like you, SIDES will be able to do this.

AWARE

Getting The Word Out

Spreading Awareness About Pediatric Cancer

After being declared cancer free, Sydney, immediately dove headfirst into the SIDES campaign of spreading awareness about pediatric cancer and assisting other children and families. Sydney arranged for the donation and installation of 30 Hunter ceiling fans for the Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville, Florida which were dedicated in memory of her best buddy, three-year-old Raegan Whaley. Sydney was asked to represent The Make-A-Wish Foundation at the national convention of The Learning Experience where she spoke in front of 350 people and helped raise $350,000.00. She was then asked to be the featured wish child at the 2012 South Florida Make-A-Wish ball where she spoke in front of 800 people and helped raise $1,600,00.00. Sydney was elected Jr. Captain of the Winterfest Boat Parade where she represented SIDES on the Carrie B. Toys were delivered this Christmas season to The Chris Evert Children's Hospital. Sydney is doing volunteer work at The Ronald McDonald House.

Our Mission

Helping Families & Helping Finding a Cure

SIDES is committed to helping families suffering from Ewing's Sarcoma and other pediatric cancers, while at the same time, helping fund research to find...

Our Impact

Big Hearts, Big Impact

See statistics and information on how Sydney’s Incredible Defeat of Ewing’s Sarcoma impacts the lives of many suffering from Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Our Story

Learn About Sydney and The SIDES Charity

Sydney Lister is a brave and courageous warrior who is currently a Freshman in college. This is her story which we are happy she is able to tell in person...

Our Board

Get to Know the People Behind SIDES

This team of great people help SIDES achieve it’s mission of helping families suffering from Ewing’s Sarcoma and other pediatric cancers.

Our Sponsors

We greatly appreciate the support from businesses that help us provide support for families suffering from pediatric cancer.