Miracle Monday – Sydney Gavan

Sydney Gavan from #Columbiaville was just five years old when she became a patient at #HurleyChildrensHospital. She was in kindergarten, loved gymnastics, was a girlie girl who loved her hair and always had a smile on her face. Her mom, Casey, became concerned when Sydney, who was never sick, developed a fever that lasted eight days. On February 23, 2009 her diagnosis was confirmed. Sydney suffered from biphenotypic acute #leukemia. Two kinds of leukemic cells were growing in her body at the same time. Her family was told this was a very rare condition.

Sydney’s first inpatient hospitalization lasted SEVEN long weeks as the medical team tried to get her into remission. She lost her beautiful hair, endured countless pokes and procedures. On one exceptionally difficult day, Sydney told Casey, “Mom, I didn’t sign up for this.” It broke Casey’s heart. After a long treatment journey it became obvious that Sydney’s only chance at long-term survival was a bone marrow or cord blood transplant. The specialists in Ann Arbor where this procedure was done explained the difficult and painful process. But, true to form, Sydney was brave and battled through the hard times.

And now, Sydney Gavan is a 2021 graduate from Lapeer High School. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family along with traveling and experiencing new things. She has excelled in high school academically and has enjoyed track and field success with throwing discus and shot put. Sydney looks forward to starting the next chapter in her life! She plans to attend either Rochester University or Saginaw Valley State University to study nursing and become a pediatric nurse. Sydney wants to give back for all the wonderful nurses and care she received along her journey both at Hurley Children’s Hospital and C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.

To help us continue to create miracles like Sydney’s, donate @ hurleyfoundation.org/donate.