On the canvas of life, there are moments of joy, moments of grief, moments of triumph, and moments of struggle. Yet, some lives, though short-lived, paint a canvas so vivid and inspiring that they become a beacon of hope, determination, and resilience. One such life was that of Sydney Coxon.
Born on 27th April 1994, Sydney was a vibrant and active child with a keen interest in swimming, soccer, and the camaraderie of friendship. Life was simple, innocent, and full of joy. However, the tides changed in 2005, when she was diagnosed with a brainstem glioma, a rare, inoperable brain tumor.
For thirteen months, Sydney endured the tribulations of radiation and experimental therapies. Yet, she remained a pillar of strength, not just for herself but for her loved ones. Through her struggle, she continued to attend school, exhibited her love for drama in a summer camp play, and even fulfilled a dream through the Make-a-Wish foundation by going on a Disney cruise with her family. It was a testament to her strength, resilience, and zest for life.
Sydney was more than a patient; she was a fighter, an inspiration, and a selfless soul. Even in her last months, she planned a community garage sale to help Seattle Children's Hospital acquire another voice machine, a device that had been instrumental in helping her communicate during her treatment. Sydney lost her battle to cancer at the tender age of eleven, but her legacy lived on as her community carried out her event after her passing, ensuring that her voice continued to echo through the halls of the hospital that she so cherished.
Sydney's legacy didn't end there. Her impact was so profound that it gave birth to the Pink Polka Dots Junior Guild, a charitable organization founded in 2006 by her friends Sierra Alef-Defoe, Maddy Berkman, and Kelsey Josund. The Guild was more than a tribute; it was a commitment to ensure that no other child would have to face the battle that Sydney bravely fought.
Over the years, the Guild has organized a plethora of events. In 2007, the first Sydney Coxon Golf Tournament and Dinner was held, which continued annually through 2017. In 2009, the Guild was honored with the Golden Tennis Shoe Award, recognizing its extraordinary contributions.
The Guild broadened its fundraising activities, hosting its first Karaoke Night in January 2015, which became a beloved annual tradition and a much-anticipated community gathering. The Guild never rested, even in the face of adversities like the Covid-19 pandemic. They devised creative ways to continue their fundraising efforts, including a letter writing project to show gratitude to first responders and those most impacted by the pandemic.
By July 2022, the Pink Polka Dots Junior Guild had raised over $993,000. The organization that started with a community garage sale, selling handmade art cards, and crafts at local farmers' markets, was on the brink of reaching a million-dollar goal. The ambition of Sydney's friends, younger siblings, and community youth was an embodiment of Sydney's courage and resilience.
This story of courage and resilience echoed through the corridors of the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center where Sydney's sister, Margo Coxon, interned. Losing Sydney was devastating for Margo, but it fueled a desire to find a cure for the disease that took her sister's life. She worked diligently in the lab of Dr. Jim Olson, one of Sydney's doctors and a pioneer in pediatric brain tumor research. Margo's determination was fueled by the same spirit of compassion and selflessness that Sydney exhibited. She became part of the team working on innovative solutions like Tumor Paint, a drug that helps surgeons identify cancer cells with more precision.
The legacy that Sydney left behind was a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young girl who turned adversity into an opportunity to inspire others. The Pink Polka Dots Guild, which started with Sydney's vision, has grown to become a beacon of hope for those afflicted by brain tumors. In 2018, the Guild hosted its first Casino Night Dinner & Auction Fundraiser, further broadening their fundraising efforts.
The Pink Polka Dots Guild's efforts have undoubtedly saved and improved countless lives, each a testament to Sydney's selfless spirit. The collective effort of Sydney's friends, her community, and her family became an instrument of positive change, transforming the pain of Sydney's loss into a force that continues to change the world for the better.
Though Sydney's life was cut tragically short, her legacy remains a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Her life continues to inspire, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have on their community and the world. The memory of Sydney Coxon lives on, not in the echo of a life cut short, but in the roar of a legacy that continues to shape, inspire, and heal.
Written by: Alan Owen
Born on 27th April 1994, Sydney was a vibrant and active child with a keen interest in swimming, soccer, and the camaraderie of friendship. Life was simple, innocent, and full of joy. However, the tides changed in 2005, when she was diagnosed with a brainstem glioma, a rare, inoperable brain tumor.
For thirteen months, Sydney endured the tribulations of radiation and experimental therapies. Yet, she remained a pillar of strength, not just for herself but for her loved ones. Through her struggle, she continued to attend school, exhibited her love for drama in a summer camp play, and even fulfilled a dream through the Make-a-Wish foundation by going on a Disney cruise with her family. It was a testament to her strength, resilience, and zest for life.
Sydney was more than a patient; she was a fighter, an inspiration, and a selfless soul. Even in her last months, she planned a community garage sale to help Seattle Children's Hospital acquire another voice machine, a device that had been instrumental in helping her communicate during her treatment. Sydney lost her battle to cancer at the tender age of eleven, but her legacy lived on as her community carried out her event after her passing, ensuring that her voice continued to echo through the halls of the hospital that she so cherished.
Sydney's legacy didn't end there. Her impact was so profound that it gave birth to the Pink Polka Dots Junior Guild, a charitable organization founded in 2006 by her friends Sierra Alef-Defoe, Maddy Berkman, and Kelsey Josund. The Guild was more than a tribute; it was a commitment to ensure that no other child would have to face the battle that Sydney bravely fought.
Over the years, the Guild has organized a plethora of events. In 2007, the first Sydney Coxon Golf Tournament and Dinner was held, which continued annually through 2017. In 2009, the Guild was honored with the Golden Tennis Shoe Award, recognizing its extraordinary contributions.
The Guild broadened its fundraising activities, hosting its first Karaoke Night in January 2015, which became a beloved annual tradition and a much-anticipated community gathering. The Guild never rested, even in the face of adversities like the Covid-19 pandemic. They devised creative ways to continue their fundraising efforts, including a letter writing project to show gratitude to first responders and those most impacted by the pandemic.
By July 2022, the Pink Polka Dots Junior Guild had raised over $993,000. The organization that started with a community garage sale, selling handmade art cards, and crafts at local farmers' markets, was on the brink of reaching a million-dollar goal. The ambition of Sydney's friends, younger siblings, and community youth was an embodiment of Sydney's courage and resilience.
This story of courage and resilience echoed through the corridors of the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center where Sydney's sister, Margo Coxon, interned. Losing Sydney was devastating for Margo, but it fueled a desire to find a cure for the disease that took her sister's life. She worked diligently in the lab of Dr. Jim Olson, one of Sydney's doctors and a pioneer in pediatric brain tumor research. Margo's determination was fueled by the same spirit of compassion and selflessness that Sydney exhibited. She became part of the team working on innovative solutions like Tumor Paint, a drug that helps surgeons identify cancer cells with more precision.
The legacy that Sydney left behind was a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young girl who turned adversity into an opportunity to inspire others. The Pink Polka Dots Guild, which started with Sydney's vision, has grown to become a beacon of hope for those afflicted by brain tumors. In 2018, the Guild hosted its first Casino Night Dinner & Auction Fundraiser, further broadening their fundraising efforts.
The Pink Polka Dots Guild's efforts have undoubtedly saved and improved countless lives, each a testament to Sydney's selfless spirit. The collective effort of Sydney's friends, her community, and her family became an instrument of positive change, transforming the pain of Sydney's loss into a force that continues to change the world for the better.
Though Sydney's life was cut tragically short, her legacy remains a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Her life continues to inspire, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have on their community and the world. The memory of Sydney Coxon lives on, not in the echo of a life cut short, but in the roar of a legacy that continues to shape, inspire, and heal.
Written by: Alan Owen
On the canvas of life, there are moments of joy, moments of grief, moments of triumph, and moments of struggle. Yet, some lives, though short-lived, paint a canvas so vivid and inspiring that they become a beacon of hope, determination, and resilience. One such life was that of Sydney Coxon.
Born on 27th April 1994, Sydney was a vibrant and active child with a keen interest in swimming, soccer, and the camaraderie of friendship. Life was simple, innocent, and full of joy. However, the tides changed in 2005, when she was diagnosed with a brainstem glioma, a rare, inoperable brain tumor.
For thirteen months, Sydney endured the tribulations of radiation and experimental therapies. Yet, she remained a pillar of strength, not just for herself but for her loved ones. Through her struggle, she continued to attend school, exhibited her love for drama in a summer camp play, and even fulfilled a dream through the Make-a-Wish foundation by going on a Disney cruise with her family. It was a testament to her strength, resilience, and zest for life.
Sydney was more than a patient; she was a fighter, an inspiration, and a selfless soul. Even in her last months, she planned a community garage sale to help Seattle Children's Hospital acquire another voice machine, a device that had been instrumental in helping her communicate during her treatment. Sydney lost her battle to cancer at the tender age of eleven, but her legacy lived on as her community carried out her event after her passing, ensuring that her voice continued to echo through the halls of the hospital that she so cherished.
Sydney's legacy didn't end there. Her impact was so profound that it gave birth to the Pink Polka Dots Junior Guild, a charitable organization founded in 2006 by her friends Sierra Alef-Defoe, Maddy Berkman, and Kelsey Josund. The Guild was more than a tribute; it was a commitment to ensure that no other child would have to face the battle that Sydney bravely fought.
Over the years, the Guild has organized a plethora of events. In 2007, the first Sydney Coxon Golf Tournament and Dinner was held, which continued annually through 2017. In 2009, the Guild was honored with the Golden Tennis Shoe Award, recognizing its extraordinary contributions.
The Guild broadened its fundraising activities, hosting its first Karaoke Night in January 2015, which became a beloved annual tradition and a much-anticipated community gathering. The Guild never rested, even in the face of adversities like the Covid-19 pandemic. They devised creative ways to continue their fundraising efforts, including a letter writing project to show gratitude to first responders and those most impacted by the pandemic.
By July 2022, the Pink Polka Dots Junior Guild had raised over $993,000. The organization that started with a community garage sale, selling handmade art cards, and crafts at local farmers' markets, was on the brink of reaching a million-dollar goal. The ambition of Sydney's friends, younger siblings, and community youth was an embodiment of Sydney's courage and resilience.
This story of courage and resilience echoed through the corridors of the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center where Sydney's sister, Margo Coxon, interned. Losing Sydney was devastating for Margo, but it fueled a desire to find a cure for the disease that took her sister's life. She worked diligently in the lab of Dr. Jim Olson, one of Sydney's doctors and a pioneer in pediatric brain tumor research. Margo's determination was fueled by the same spirit of compassion and selflessness that Sydney exhibited. She became part of the team working on innovative solutions like Tumor Paint, a drug that helps surgeons identify cancer cells with more precision.
The legacy that Sydney left behind was a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young girl who turned adversity into an opportunity to inspire others. The Pink Polka Dots Guild, which started with Sydney's vision, has grown to become a beacon of hope for those afflicted by brain tumors. In 2018, the Guild hosted its first Casino Night Dinner & Auction Fundraiser, further broadening their fundraising efforts.
The Pink Polka Dots Guild's efforts have undoubtedly saved and improved countless lives, each a testament to Sydney's selfless spirit. The collective effort of Sydney's friends, her community, and her family became an instrument of positive change, transforming the pain of Sydney's loss into a force that continues to change the world for the better.
Though Sydney's life was cut tragically short, her legacy remains a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Her life continues to inspire, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have on their community and the world. The memory of Sydney Coxon lives on, not in the echo of a life cut short, but in the roar of a legacy that continues to shape, inspire, and heal.
Written by: Alan Owen
Born on 27th April 1994, Sydney was a vibrant and active child with a keen interest in swimming, soccer, and the camaraderie of friendship. Life was simple, innocent, and full of joy. However, the tides changed in 2005, when she was diagnosed with a brainstem glioma, a rare, inoperable brain tumor.
For thirteen months, Sydney endured the tribulations of radiation and experimental therapies. Yet, she remained a pillar of strength, not just for herself but for her loved ones. Through her struggle, she continued to attend school, exhibited her love for drama in a summer camp play, and even fulfilled a dream through the Make-a-Wish foundation by going on a Disney cruise with her family. It was a testament to her strength, resilience, and zest for life.
Sydney was more than a patient; she was a fighter, an inspiration, and a selfless soul. Even in her last months, she planned a community garage sale to help Seattle Children's Hospital acquire another voice machine, a device that had been instrumental in helping her communicate during her treatment. Sydney lost her battle to cancer at the tender age of eleven, but her legacy lived on as her community carried out her event after her passing, ensuring that her voice continued to echo through the halls of the hospital that she so cherished.
Sydney's legacy didn't end there. Her impact was so profound that it gave birth to the Pink Polka Dots Junior Guild, a charitable organization founded in 2006 by her friends Sierra Alef-Defoe, Maddy Berkman, and Kelsey Josund. The Guild was more than a tribute; it was a commitment to ensure that no other child would have to face the battle that Sydney bravely fought.
Over the years, the Guild has organized a plethora of events. In 2007, the first Sydney Coxon Golf Tournament and Dinner was held, which continued annually through 2017. In 2009, the Guild was honored with the Golden Tennis Shoe Award, recognizing its extraordinary contributions.
The Guild broadened its fundraising activities, hosting its first Karaoke Night in January 2015, which became a beloved annual tradition and a much-anticipated community gathering. The Guild never rested, even in the face of adversities like the Covid-19 pandemic. They devised creative ways to continue their fundraising efforts, including a letter writing project to show gratitude to first responders and those most impacted by the pandemic.
By July 2022, the Pink Polka Dots Junior Guild had raised over $993,000. The organization that started with a community garage sale, selling handmade art cards, and crafts at local farmers' markets, was on the brink of reaching a million-dollar goal. The ambition of Sydney's friends, younger siblings, and community youth was an embodiment of Sydney's courage and resilience.
This story of courage and resilience echoed through the corridors of the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center where Sydney's sister, Margo Coxon, interned. Losing Sydney was devastating for Margo, but it fueled a desire to find a cure for the disease that took her sister's life. She worked diligently in the lab of Dr. Jim Olson, one of Sydney's doctors and a pioneer in pediatric brain tumor research. Margo's determination was fueled by the same spirit of compassion and selflessness that Sydney exhibited. She became part of the team working on innovative solutions like Tumor Paint, a drug that helps surgeons identify cancer cells with more precision.
The legacy that Sydney left behind was a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young girl who turned adversity into an opportunity to inspire others. The Pink Polka Dots Guild, which started with Sydney's vision, has grown to become a beacon of hope for those afflicted by brain tumors. In 2018, the Guild hosted its first Casino Night Dinner & Auction Fundraiser, further broadening their fundraising efforts.
The Pink Polka Dots Guild's efforts have undoubtedly saved and improved countless lives, each a testament to Sydney's selfless spirit. The collective effort of Sydney's friends, her community, and her family became an instrument of positive change, transforming the pain of Sydney's loss into a force that continues to change the world for the better.
Though Sydney's life was cut tragically short, her legacy remains a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Her life continues to inspire, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have on their community and the world. The memory of Sydney Coxon lives on, not in the echo of a life cut short, but in the roar of a legacy that continues to shape, inspire, and heal.
Written by: Alan Owen
