Sydney Stelmaszek

Past Board Member

Sydney and her husband, Brett, live in Pittsburgh, PA with their three boys, Isaac (12), Judah (10), and Emmitt (5). Sydney and Brett met while attending the University of Florida, married, and began their family while pursuing undergraduate studies. She graduated from UF with a degree in zoology.

The Stelmaszeks moved to South Africa in 2015 to serve with an African-led NGO, Life Child. While in South Africa, their third son, Emmitt, was born. He was diagnosed with SYNGAP1-Related Disorders at 18 months old, after nearly a year of searching for answers while overseas. After being hospitalized for his severe epilepsy, the family moved back to the United States in 2019.

Sydney and family connected with CURE SYNGAP1 soon after receiving their son’s diagnosis and began learning about all aspects of the disease from the community. She volunteers with CURE SYNGAP1 by connecting with new families and SYNGAP1 clinicians. As part of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia patient community, she helps coordinate CURE SYNGAP1 community involvement in CHOP’s ongoing SYNGAP1 Natural History Study. She and Brett have also hosted the Cannonball for the Cure, a charity live stream on UFD Tech.

Update – in 2025, Sydney and her family moved back to South Africa. We thank her for her past commitment and service to the CURE SYNGAP1 community and wish them well in this new chapter of their life.