About Sydney Gran

The Sydney Gran Family Support Fund was founded by Rosemary and Eddie Gran in April of 2005 in memory of their daughter, Sydney. Sydney was born with a rare disease called Holoprosencephaly (HPE), which caused her brain to stop developing during the first three months in the womb. Doctors said she probably would not live six months, but she defied the odds. Sydney passed on to be with the Lord on May 31, 2005 -- one month and a day short of her sixth birthday.

Sydney touched many lives not only in the Grans’ hometown, but also at Children's Hospital of Alabama where she was a patient. The Sydney Gran Family Support Fund provides assistance to families impacted by catastrophic illnesses.

Sydney changed lives.

Sydney Gran never walked. She never went out on a date. She never went to college. Yet in the six short years she lived on this earth, Sydney changed the lives of her parents, the lives of football players and their coaches and the lives of people throughout her community. Today, this very special little girl is still changing lives.

During Sydney’s lifetime, the Grans visited Children’s Hospital many times, particularly when she needed treatment for pneumonia. “Being there humbles you when you see what other families are going through,” Eddie says.

Rosemary remembers the faces of parents coping with the stresses of everyday life while also trying to help their sick child heal. “We talked to many families and asked if there was something we could do to help. Usually it was a need like money for gas to get back home or help in paying utility bills.”

It was talking to these parents that led the Grans to establish the Sydney Gran Family Support Fund just weeks before Sydney passed away. The mission of the organization is to honor Sydney’s memory by helping families with needs that are not met by Medicaid or other programs.

Eddie believes it is part of God’s plan that they are keeping Sydney’s spirit alive through the work of the Family Support Fund. “We are excited to be a part of Children’s Hospital as they build a stronger foundation for the future because when it comes to our children, everyone wants the best care available.”

Sydney is pictured here with her family shortly before her death. From left: Lucy Grace, Eddie, Hannah, Sydney, Dillan and Rosemary Gran.

Helping Families

Fortunately, Children’s Hospital of Alabama is dedicated to helping all Alabama children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. But the Grans noticed that some of the needs of families were not being met after they returned to their communities. “Our goal is to make a difference for children in this state the same way Sydney made a difference to us,” Eddie says.

Here is how the Family Support Fund helps:

• Payment of Utility Bills
• Payment of Home Mortgages and Apartment Rent
• Automobile Repairs
• Travel for Families Seeking Medical Treatment
• Rental of Moving Supplies, Trucks and Trailers for Family Relocation
• Medicine and Prescription Coverage
• Purchase and Installation of Medical Equipment such as Home Lift Systems
• Home Modifications/Improvements for Disability Access
• Habitat for Humanity Support
• Fulfillment of Holiday Wishes

“At the moment we needed this help, it was provided to us through the Sydney Gran organization,” says Johnny Strozier, whose son, Matt, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was just 2 years old. Matt uses a wheelchair, and as he grew heavier, it was becoming more and more difficult for his parents to lift him. He needed their help throughout the day -- to help him - dress, bathe, get in and out of his wheelchair and get in and out of bed. “ We had heard about lift systems for disabled persons, but knew we could never afford one,” says Johnny. Then the Sydney Gran Family Support Fund literally lifted a huge burden from the Strozier family’s shoulders. “I like the lift system,” Matt says. “When I use it, I’m up in the air and I feel like I’m flying.”

Help us help families.

Thank you for supporting the Sydney Gran Family Support Fund for Patients of Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

To donate to the Sydney Gran Family Support Fund online, please visit: http://foundation.chsys.org and click on “Donate online.” Please indicate that you want your gift designated to the Sydney Gran Family Support Fund.

We are currently in the process of redesigning our web site to reflect the exciting changes taking place with the Foundation as well as with Coach Eddie Gran and his family. We look forward to sharing Sydney’s inspiring story of hope and faith with the Tennessee Volunteer family as well as continuing to celebrate her memory with our longtime friends in Auburn and throughout the nation.

Copies of For Sydney. . . A Story of Love and Faith written by Phillip Marshall can be purchased for $9.95 by calling John Stone at (205) 939-9009 or by emailing john.stone@chsys.org. Please put ‘For Sydney’ in the subject line. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and check or money orders are accepted.

Thank you again for your support. God Bless and please continue to check back for additional updates.