Sheryl Grossman

Sheryl Grossman (December 30, 1975,-March 28, 2022) was a disability rights activist.

Grossman had Bloom Syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by short stature, predisposition to the development of cancer, and genomic instability.

Early life and education

Grossman was born in Chicago. At age 14, her parents told her she that she had Bloom Syndrome.

She attended Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Washington University in St. Louis (AB and MA).

Grossman moved to Baltimore at age 17 to receive treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Activism

Grossman worked to educate doctors about Bloom's syndrome. In 1996, Grossman founded the organization Bloom's Connect, the only support organization for people with Bloom's Syndrome.

She advocated for disability rights including access to education, housing and employment. In honor of her work in rare disease awareness, she received the 2020 RareVoice Award.

Death and legacy

Grossman died of cancer in 2022. She was 46.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Forward (2022-03-30). "'Yes, you can bench-press me': Remembering a 50-pound Jewish disabilities advocate who matched fierce with funny". The Forward. Retrieved 2026-10-15.
  2. 1 2 3 "Death of Jewish Disability Activist Sheryl Grossman". Jewish Women's Archive. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
  3. 1 2 3 "Sheryl Grossman, Jewish Activist Who Shed Light on Rare Genetic Disorder, Dies at 46". Baltimore Jewish Living.
  4. ↑ "Sheryl Grossman Obituary - Henderson, IL". Chicago Tribune. 2022-03-30. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
  5. ↑ Kexin (2011-04-02). "'Blooming' Community Connects Those with Rare Syndrome". The Source. Retrieved 2026-10-20.