Sydney Al-Lateef named 2024 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient

Sydney Al-Lateef named 2024 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient

Al-Lateef was honored at 14th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide

Twelve-year old Sydney Al-Lateef loves to let her bright personality shine. She's a young entertainer who has already shared her performing arts talents and poetry prowess on television and radio programs.

However, Sydney has had to maintain a fighting spirit since she was as infant. Born prematurely, Sydney was diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia, a condition that causes jaundice, a yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin. Throughout the first year of her life, Sydney struggled with growth delays that led to a diagnosis of short stature with no known scientific cause for the diagnosis.

At age four, Sydney developed a cold that she couldn't shake and suffered from several other conditions that were affecting her appearance and behavior. Determined to find answers, her parents drove her to Nationwide Children's Hospital Urgent Care where, shortly thereafter, her care team transferred her to the main hospital.

Sydney was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a rare condition that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. After experiencing a number of serious symptoms, Sydney's blood pressure and heart were closely monitored, and she was given the only treatment available at the time, an intravenous immunoglobulin.

With Sydney on the infectious disease floor where visitor access is limited, and a new baby sibling at home, Sydney's parents leaned on their faith to help them through that extremely difficult time.

"We were given the best care, level of treatment, and guidance that would guarantee her a long and healthy life, and we are thankful for that and Dr. Amponsah," said Sydney's mother, Tiffany.

After receiving treatment, Sydney's temperature and blood pressure came down, and her loving personality began to shine through again. At a cardiology follow-up two years later, Sydney and her family were told that there was no evidence of damage to Sydney's heart, and further appointments would not be necessary.

Sydney's brave spirit and perseverance were celebrated at the 14^th annual Legends Luncheon presented by Nationwide, where Jack and Barbara Nicklaus announced Sydney as the 2024 Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient. The award honors a patient champion who has shown strength and positivity in the face of adversity. The recognition is a highlight of Legends Luncheon, an annual event hosted by the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, that puts a spotlight on the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation and Nationwide Children's Hospital alliance.

Upon hearing that she was selected as this year's Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award recipient, Sydney said, "I started thinking about how I could pay it forward. I'm inspired by Nationwide Children's Hospital because the way that they help other people, and the way that they helped me, makes me want to go out and help others, too, in any way that I can."

"Sydney's resilience, and her family's strength, during her earlier years is truly inspiring. Hearing her story of compassionate care and recovery embodies what the Nicklaus Youth Spirit Award stands for," said Ramon Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. "Helping patients and families like Sydney's is why Nationwide has been invested in supporting Nationwide Children's for more than 60 years and proudly continues to do so."

The 2024 Legends Luncheon raised $1.43 million, bringing the 14-year total to nearly $15 million. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the young patients and families that Nationwide Children's Hospital compassionately serves each day.

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