Turner Syndrome Foundation
In this post, we pay tribute to Wendy Coates (August 1956 – May 2021). Wendy was a woman with Turner Syndrome (TS) and fierce advocate for others with TS and the Turner Syndrome Foundation’s (TSF) mission. She leaves a strong legacy, and we honor her strength, positive attitude, and commitment.
Remembering Wendy Coates
Wendy Coates, who lived and worked in Manhattan for over 30 years, was a vibrant performer, mentor, and advocate for those with TS and their families. Wendy lived her life to the fullest, even while battling a serious form of cancer. She was unfailingly positive and continued to enjoy many of her favorite things, including Broadway shows, movies, good friends, her family, and her TS community.
Wendy cherished her work with the TS community, such as teaching theater at the Boston International TS Summit, a one-week, residential program for girls aged 12 to 19. She also wrote an essay for Standing Tall with Turner Syndrome, sharing her journey with TS. As a TSF volunteer, she presented many workshops, mentored families, and advocated for increased TS awareness. Wendy may have been tiny, but she had a huge heart, and her enthusiasm was an inspiration to many.
"[Wendy] gave me so much hope for my daughter and for this mission. Her wit and huge personality was a healing and inspirational force for so many."
Wendy's Story
Wendy contributed an essay to Standing Tall with TS, a book of essays edited by Claudette Beit-Aharon. More about the book can be found here.
View from the Yellow Brick Road
My name is Wendy Coates, and I am a 54-year-old woman with Turner Syndrome. Being small, wanting to earn my living as a performer, and making a life for myself in New York City all presented challenges. Some of them I’ve conquered,; others I haven’t yet.
Paying Tribute to Wendy Coates
TS affects 1 in 2,000 female births. Together, we can help!
The goal of TSF is to support research initiatives and develop educational programs to increase professional awareness and enhance medical care of those affected by TS. Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatments over the lifespan will lead to a brighter and healthier future for all individuals with TS. TSF is a registered 501( c)(3) organization incorporated in New Jersey.
Quick statistics:
- Only 1 to 3% of fetuses with TS will survive to birth.
- 10-20% of all first-trimester miscarriages are due to TS.
- One in every 2,000 babies born female will be affected by TS.
Wendy’s family has set up a memorial fundraising page to support TSF and its mission. Click below to make a donation in Wendy’s honor
Written by Wendy Coates and her loving family. Edited by Susan Herman, TSF volunteer lead blog editor.
Resources
© Turner Syndrome Foundation 2021
So sad to hear she passed it was great knowing Wendy . She was always fun and kind
Some people whom you meet will stay with you for a lifetime, and Wendy surely is one of them. She had a thunderous voice, quick of wit and charm, and funny as heck! She had a depth of character filled with faith, honesty and a generosity to help others with a kind and gentle heart. No wonder Wendy is missed by so many people. She was a marvelous human being and we were fortunate to have her with us as a friend and mentor. Carry on, Wendy. Until we meet again.