Meet Sydney
Graduate of George Washington University
Favorite Things:
+ Making People Laugh
+ Studying Political Science
+ Being with Family
Conquered:
+ Heart Transplant at 2-years-old
+ Growing Rods, Spinal Fusion
Sydney's Wisdom:
"I recognize that many people face various issues, and these are simply my challenges to navigate."
Meet Sydney
My name is Sydney Lerman, and I am a 21-year-old senior at George Washington University, where I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice and Management & Leadership. I am set to graduate in May and will begin my career as a litigation paralegal at Paul, Weiss, a prestigious law firm located in New York City, starting in July.
In my free time, I enjoy attending Broadway shows, listening to Taylor Swift, watching football on the weekends, and exploring the diverse dining options in Washington, D.C., with my friends.
I was diagnosed with neonatal Marfan Syndrome at just five days old at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. My first surgery occurred at five months, during which my mitral and aortic valves were replaced, and my dilated aortic root was repaired. Unfortunately, I required a heart transplant at 2.5 years old due to heart failure. At 3.5 years old, I underwent my first spine surgery to address scoliosis, during which growing rods were inserted to accommodate my development. I had spinal fusion surgery when I was 12. Additionally, I have worn contact lenses since I was one year old because of dislocated lenses.
Having lived with neonatal Marfan Syndrome my entire life, I have no other experience to compare it to. I engage in the same activities as my peers, though I refrain from athletic pursuits due to my health challenges, which can be frustrating when they disrupt my plans. However, I recognize that many people face various issues in life, whether they be medical or mental health-related, and these are simply my challenges to navigate.
Being one of the first infants to survive the early years with neonatal Marfan Syndrome, I often felt like a subject of study for my doctors, as they were uncertain about how to address many of my health concerns. I still occasionally encounter this uncertainty today. I wish there had been more knowledge and resources available for the treatment of Marfan patients, akin to established guidelines for common illnesses like the stomach flu.
To parents of children with neonatal Marfan Syndrome or any chronic illness, my advice is to be a steadfast advocate for your child. Be proactive in asking questions, follow up on responses that seem unclear, and listen attentively to guidance from both healthcare providers and other parents. Keeping a detailed journal from the outset of your child’s medical journey is invaluable; document everything so you can reference it later. As your child sees various specialists throughout their life, you will be the consistent presence who can provide continuity in their care, so take diligent notes to share with their healthcare team.
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Dated 29 January 2025
