#Sydneystrong

The Friel Family needs your help.

Tommy and Jaime have been close family friends for 20+ years. We were both there when their kids were born and have watched their girls grow into amazing young women. Their family is always there when someone needs a hand, and now it's time we all return the favor. As most of you know, their eldest daughter Sydney was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in her left leg shortly after she turned 17 this past September.

Sydney is an incredibly kind, smart, and compassionate young lady; and she continues to show all those qualities even while enduring the most unkind treatment. She has managed to maintain her positive spirit and sense of humor despite the many challenges that have been thrown at her along the way.

But our girl has had anything but the so-called normal, fun high school experience. She is currently in her junior year at Lakes High School, but she is in the hospital on an almost weekly basis. That means she only attends in person when she is physically able, which hasn't been often these days. Most days she logs on for tutoring sessions with her teachers from her hospital bed. That also means missing out on all the fun social activities that high school brings. Sydney must also remain entirely off her leg at this time. That means the use of crutches, a walker, or even a wheelchair to get around.

Unfortunately, childhood cancers are not well-funded, and the protocols put in place to treat them are very outdated, and the list of side effects from the treatment protocol is harsh and lifelong. A cancer diagnosis changes the entire family's life. Monetarily is just one way. There are not only all the unexpected expenses in the here and now (Chicago parking/gas, surgery, hair prosthetics/coverings, parents' lost time from work), but Sydney will have ongoing medical treatment for the rest of her life even once chemo is finished. There will be continued screenings and updated surgeries to her knee every so many years for the rest of her life just to name a few.

We ask that you keep the entire Friel Family and Sydney's amazing medical team at Lurie Children's in your thoughts and prayers. Anything you can give is much appreciated. As we all know, every little bit helps!

And for those of you that prefer to mail a check directly instead of electronic payment (no card fees), please reach out to Rosemary or me directly, and we can help direct those funds.

Much love,

Grace Hanson and Family

Rosemary Matzl and Family