Sydatu (Sydney) Tennema Holder was born in Monrovia, Liberia, on October 21, 1974. She was diagnosed with chronic sickle cell anemia disease shortly after her birth. In 1980, Syd, as she was affect...ver maisSydatu (Sydney) Tennema Holder was born in Monrovia, Liberia, on October 21, 1974. She was diagnosed with chronic sickle cell anemia disease shortly after her birth. In 1980, Syd, as she was affectionately called, relocated from Liberia to the United States with her mother, where she resided until her death on May 31, 2014.
Syd obtained her BBA degree in management from Howard University in Washington, DC, USA, in 1999.
In 2006, Syd, always an avid writer (journals, poetry, and music), embarked on her spiritual journey to write the manuscript for The Morpher, a tell-all book of her physical, emotional, and mentally painful experiences, living to die with sickle cell anemia disease, to encourage others going through similar challenges.
Syd, a mild-mannered, soft-spoken, no-nonsense, and determined woman, dedicated her life to her family and her creative pursuits. She was an outstanding woman of many talents, including painting, drawing, poetry, writing musical lyrics, and other creative endeavors.
Truly a spiritual soul, Syd often said, “I know I will die young, therefore I have to pack in as much living as I can in the time I have left.” Her constant infectious, radiant smiles were indicative of her fearless faith in Jesus Christ and her caring heart for all.
“The Morpher” is the name she called the severely painful sickle cell crisis that she endured for thirty-nine years, her entire life, through the love and grace of Jesus Christ, the source of her strength.ver menos