Sydney Zirnheld - Zebra - 4 medical

Official GoFundMe for the family of Sydney Rae Zirnheld.

Sydney Rae Zirnheld, only 19 years old, suddenly passed away in the arms of her mother early Christmas Eve morning. There is an EXTREMELY URGENT need to get the funds together to send Sydney to a forensic pathologist as soon as possible to get answers for the family as her twin and best friend Zachary suffers from some of the same diagnoses.

Sydney was a warrior fighting daily through her rare chronic illnesses:

   Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

   Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

   Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

   Eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE)

   Paralyzed esophagus

   Gastroparesis

   and others that have not yet been named

She was a loving sibling, talented artist, illustrator, singer, writer, maker, creator, cellist, advocate, proud non-binary child, friend, ally, mentor, cherished Aunt, and best friend to her twin brother Zachary.

Sydney was autistic and a strong advocate for others misunderstood by society. She was very much looking forward to illustrating a series of children’s books, The Legend of Autistica by Matt Lowry - sharing her dragons with the world.

This is a message from the family:

We are not ready to receive visitors at this time as we process our grief but will share when we have a memorial planned. In the meantime, please share with us your favorite memories, pictures, and stories of Sydney by sending an email to

      [email redacted]

This email will stay for our family to read for years to come giving us great comfort. Sydney will continue to live in our hearts and our minds. Thank you for your love and support.

Most of all, thank you for loving our Sydney!

      -The Zirnheld Family

Would you please consider helping me raise these funds for the family’s expenses? Or help spread the campaign by sharing?

 (Note: This page has been opened with permission on behalf of the family of Sydney Rae Zirnheld. I am a friend of the family as my young adult child shares many of the same symptoms and diagnoses as Sydney. The money raised will be to assist with the forensic autopsy, genetic testing, and medical bills.)