The PM Podcast: In Concert – A Conversation with Sydney Moss

Hosted by Jay Frost, Produced by Jack Frost | Released on July 19, 2025

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of The PM Podcast, host Jay Frost sits down with Sydney Moss, a remarkable high school junior from Dunwoody High School, Georgia. Sydney is one of the distinguished recipients of the 2025 William R. Sims Award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Despite battling rare medical conditions, Sydney has transformed her health challenges into a powerful mission, leveraging her passion for music to raise substantial funds and awareness for biliary atresia research.

Sydney's Medical Journey

Sydney opens up about her diagnosis and the hurdles she has faced. At [00:00], she shares:

“Malaria atresia is really rare in general. They're still kind of looking for a cure for it, obviously, that's why I do all this money and research. But the other thing that I was diagnosed with was hepatic pulmonary syndrome, which is even more rare.” ([00:00])

Her condition, hepatic pulmonary syndrome, is so uncommon that her doctor had to consult recent research to understand her case, an experience that was understandably disheartening for Sydney ([00:31]). Diagnosed young, Sydney has endured significant health challenges, including life-long anti-rejection medication post-transplant.

Launching the Concert for a Cause

Sydney's journey took a proactive turn in seventh grade when she founded her first concert for a cause. Reflecting on her motivations, she states at [02:30]:

“I really wanted to be able to, like, do something. Kind of bored. Not being able to, like, go out and travel and do much because I was really sick.”

Her initial concert, a collaboration with friends and her guitar teacher, raised over $13,000 for Children's Health Care of Atlanta (CHOA), marking the beginning of her impactful fundraising efforts ([03:17]).

Music as a Healing and Fundraising Tool

Music has been a cornerstone of Sydney's life and her philanthropic endeavors. Having been classically trained from a young age, Sydney transitioned to modern music in fifth grade and has since honed her skills through performances and songwriting ([04:56]). Her concerts have evolved, with yearly improvements in both musical talent and fundraising capabilities, culminating in raising nearly $80,000 by her junior year ([03:19]).

Sydney shares the therapeutic role music plays in her life:

“Being able to do music and continuing that, it's definitely, like, been by my side something very, like, positive, you know?” ([04:23])

Her performances not only serve as a personal outlet but also amplify awareness for biliary atresia and hepatic pulmonary syndrome, conditions that the general public is largely unaware of ([07:38]).

Impact and Recognition

Sydney's efforts have garnered significant recognition and support. She expresses gratitude for the community's response and the broader awareness raised through her concerts:

“People have been coming, like, since I was like, seventh grade to now almost a senior in high school. Me and my friends have definitely gotten better each year.” ([07:34])

Receiving the William R. Sims Award has been a profound honor for Sydney. She reflects on its importance at [13:04]:

“It's really nice to know that something like this is getting recognized and appreciated. So we can hope these kids, people like me, you know who don't get that much awareness and hopefully can continue moving on forward with like future research and helping patients.” ([13:04])

Future Plans and the Sydney Moss Fund

Looking ahead, Sydney is committed to expanding her philanthropic impact. Through the Sydney Moss Fund, established with the support of her parents, she manages a 501(c)(3) organization that allocates funds to both CHOA and Dr. Carbon at VCU, fostering diverse research avenues for biliary atresia ([08:42]).

Sydney outlines her educational aspirations, aiming to pursue higher education in medicine or public health to continue her advocacy and educational efforts:

“I think that people really take all those things for granted. You know, as someone who's been through all those things and been in hospitals, I just think it's like one of the best things that we have in our society is access to modern medicine.” ([11:01])

Her dream of becoming a surgeon remains, despite challenges posed by her condition, underscoring her resilience and dedication ([12:13]).

Performing for the Cause

In a poignant moment of the podcast, Sydney shares her musical talent live. She performs an original song that encapsulates her feelings of isolation and her journey towards connection and support:

“It's true I don't wanna leave too soon
I like being on my own but then I wish I called someone
I'm too far from others it tend to get sad
I've been introverted hard...” ([14:14])

Conclusion

Sydney Moss exemplifies how personal adversity can fuel extraordinary community impact. Her dedication to raising funds and awareness for biliary atresia through music is both inspiring and impactful. As she continues her academic and philanthropic journey, Sydney remains a beacon of hope and determination, demonstrating the profound difference one young individual can make.

To support Sydney's ongoing efforts and attend her next concert for a cause, visit Sydney Moss Music on Instagram. For more information about the Association of Fundraising Professionals and their annual awards, visit AFPglobal.org.

Notable Quotes:

• Sydney Moss at [00:00]: “Malaria atresia is really rare in general. They're still kind of looking for a cure for it, obviously, that's why I do all this money and research."

• Sydney Moss at [04:23]: “Being able to do music and continuing that, it's definitely, like, been by my side something very, like, positive, you know?”

• Sydney Moss at [13:04]: “It's really nice to know that something like this is getting recognized and appreciated...”

• Sydney Moss performing at [14:14]: “It's true I don't wanna leave too soon... Being alone uncomfortable being a party of one...”

This episode was produced by Jack Frost and powered by DonorSearch. To listen to more conversations with changemakers, subscribe to The PM Podcast on your preferred platform.