Sydney Mead's Story

Little Sydney Mead has been farther from home, been hospitalized more days and encountered more doctors than most people will in a lifetime.

Sydney, of Jackson, Mississippi, was born with a condition called Williams Syndrome. The neurodevelopmental disorder usually brings heart troubles with it. In Sydney’s case, it meant part of her aorta was narrowed, making it hard for her heart to pump blood through the artery and to the rest of her body.

She underwent open-heart surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. after her birth. She spent 110 days in the hospital under the care of 11 doctors.

More than 1,000 miles from home and family, Andy and Brandi Mead relied heavily on cardiac social worker Heather Langlois. They learned of the Erika Kate Foundation through Langlois, and applied for much-needed assistance.

Before Sydney was born, the Meads had purchased a home for their new family. But they were unable to move into the new house because they were at Sydney’s side at the hospital. Therefore, they were paying a mortgage and rent until they were able to make the move.

Meanwhile, Andy and Brandi were unable to work and incurred even more expenses while they lived near Sydney for 3 ½ months.

The Erika Kate Foundation provided financial and emotional support to the Mead family. “Without the help of EKF, families would struggle even more and some may not be able to remain bedside with their child,” Brandi said.

Sydney and her parents returned home on Sept. 4, 2009. Sydney continues her care in her hometown of Jackson.

"No one is ever prepared for something like this to happen to their child; it has changed our family forever. I think it is great that people who have been through trying times then reach out to others to help them through their experiences. It’s been wonderful working with EKF. We have learned much through this experience and hope to help others in the future.”