Sylvia Strong

Beautiful Sylvia Carol’s journey began July 12, 2017. She is a loving and lovable soul with a winning smile and a zest for life and as everyone describes her lately - feisty, but that will serve her well in life. She has a sense of humor and an innate ability to create and strengthen community in the lives of those who meet and love her. Born with Trisomy 21 and a complete AV Canal heart defect and having endured an open-heart surgery at 3 months old, Sylvia personifies #SylviaStrong. Sylvia’s mom and dad, Nathan and Katie, have parented with grace and without complaint. Educators and musicians, they enrich the lives of students, parishes, musicians, and of course their sweet family.

Now, the Gerlach family embarks on the next phase of their journey. Sylvia’s recent diagnosis of B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia means an inpatient stay at American Family Children’s Hospital and a 5-phase treatment plan that will span the next 2 to 3 years. The family has a newborn baby Jonathan at home, a beautiful 4 year old big sister, Alyce, mom is recovering from a C-section, and, of course, we are in the middle of a safer-at-home order due to Covid-19.

Those who love the Gerlachs want to support them in every way we can during this unprecedented time. Please consider a monetary donation for any/all of the following: cancer treatment not covered by insurance, copays, deductibles, transportation to and from the hospital, cleaning or yard services, groceries, potential lost wages for time off work, and any other unforeseen ancillary expenses.

Monetary donations are not something for which the Gerlachs have asked. Rather, the donations are given as symbols of solidarity with a family close to our hearts. Nathan and Katie will certainly be good stewards of money raised and will find a worthwhile use should the donations exceed their needs.

If a financial contribution is not possible or preferable for you at this time, consider some other ways to support the Gerlachs: Become a prayer warrior on their behalf. Send a card, letter, or text (even if you feel like you don’t know what to say). Consider checking in when running an errand—to Walgreens, the hardware store, etc. Mark your calendar with plans to check in at regular intervals since this is a long treatment plan.

Thank you so much for your place in this special community and for considering the ways in which you can show your love to the Gerlachs during this time.