Main Line, Philly Go Pink In Honor Of Child Kidney Cancer Victim

Monday, May 21 would have seen Sydney Harper Sandlof of Belmont Hills turn 4 years old. But she tragically and unexpectedly died on Feb. 20 at 3 due to complications of Wilms Disease, a rare form of pediatric kidney cancer that often strikes without any symptoms.

To honor her birthday, numerous Main Line businesses Philadelphia skyline, and the Ben Franklin Bridge will turn pink.

Not only will the pink out honor her birthday, it will launch the Sydney Harper Foundation, which is based in Narberth.

The Sydney Harper Foundation has been created in loving memory of Sydney with a vision of a world where families are offered options for early screening and detection of Wilms Disease and have the emotional and financial support needed to cope with its effects. It is a nonprofit organization with the goal of providing education and awareness, and to increase knowledge of early prevention and detection of Wilms Disease as well as provide support programs, resources and a sense of community to those impacted by Wilms Disease.

"We miss our Sydney Harper horribly. Sydney loved life, her family, bobcats, bacon and the color pink," Sydney's mother Brittany Sandlof said. "The one thing we can do, in her memory, is to create this foundation, to ensure that she gave her life for a powerful purpose. I will make it my life’s job, through my precious daughter’s memory, to help raise awareness and help other children and their families fight this horrible disease."

Main Line businesses going pink on May 21 include McShea’s, The Greeks, The Great American Pub (which will also be holding pink drink specials), Sweet Mabel, Twice as Nice, Coco Thai Bistro, American Family Market, The Cheese Shop, and more.

"The Sydney Harper Foundation, together with Sydney’s family, is tremendously grateful to CBRE, Brandywine Realty Trust, Fairmont Parks Conservancy and PECO who have graciously supported the foundation by turning the skyline pink," a statement on the pink out reads.

Visit the Sydney Harper Foundation website here to learn more about the organization, or contact Michelle Haslam at michelle.haslam@syndeyharperfoundation.org or (610) 492-9022.

Below is Sydney's full obituary, courtesy of McConaghy Funeral Home, Ltd

Sydney Harper Sandlof, of Belmont Hills, PA., passed away on February 20, 2018 of Wilm’s Disease, a form of pediatric kidney cancer. She was 3.

Born on May 21, 2014 in Norfolk, VA., Sydney was the cherished daughter of John J. and Brittany Akers Sandlof. Beloved sister of Gracie, Chase and her twin Chance. Loving granddaughter of Michelle & Mark Haslam and Bonnie & John P. Sandlof. Dear niece of Philip & Danielle Sandlof, Devon & Jon Mallison and Kala Dalahan. Great-Grandaughter of Les & Ebba Ostrom. She islso survived by many great aunts and uncles and numerous cousins.

Syndey was not a fan of the color black, so the family has requested that you please wear pink to honor her memory.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday February 24, 10 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 196 Woodbine Ave., Narberth, PA. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation on Thursday February 22, from 6 to 8 PM at McConaghy Funeral Home, 328 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, 111 Presidential Blvd., Suite 203, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.