For Sydney N. (dx 2020), making an impact with the SRF Cure Crew is integral to her personal mission. “Being a part of the Cure Crew is a badge of honor. Knowing that I can do what is in my power to fight not only for myself, but for my fellow scleroderma warriors and allies means the world.”
In 2020, Sydney was living her dream as a professional dancer and business owner in Los Angeles when she received a sudden diagnosis of scleroderma. “This chronic illness has completely changed the course of how I live my life,” she says.
She recently launched a limited-edition apparel fundraiser with Spread Good Shop, featuring a design inspired by her scleroderma journey. The collection is called “The iLLEST”—a double meaning that celebrates both the chronic illness community and the strength of those who are part of it.
“We may be ill,” Sydney says, “but we’re some of the coolest people I know.” All proceeds from the campaign are donated to the SRF.
To get the word out, Sydney leaned on her online platform and personal network. “I have built a loving and supportive community, both in person and online full of allies and fellow chronic illness cuties that I have shared this fundraiser with,” she says. “By posting online and sharing via word-of-mouth, my goal is to raise funds to help find a cure for scleroderma.”
Sydney encourages others not to second-guess themselves when it comes to giving back. “Just go for it! Don’t let negative self talk and overthinking get in the way of raising funds for an amazing cause,” she says. “There are people out there fighting the good fight and people out there living with this disease that could use your voice, advocacy, and support.”
“I try my best to live my life in a way of positivity because I truly believe that just because my body is fighting me, it doesn’t mean I can’t fight back,” she says. We’re deeply grateful to Sydney for her continued dedication as a member of the SRF Cure Crew, and for share her story to raise awareness and uplift others in the scleroderma community.
