A Realtor’s Unseen Journey: Sharon Lott’s Resilience in the Face of Superficial Siderosis
For decades, Sharon Lott thrived as a passionate real estate agent, always on the move and helping others find their dream homes. But behind her success, a rare condition—superficial siderosis—was quietly progressing. What began with subtle symptoms eventually reshaped her daily life. Sharon’s journey is one of perseverance, late diagnosis, and unwavering strength in the face of a challenging condition few have heard of but many are learning to recognize—thanks to stories like her.
For over four decades, Sharon Lott has been a fixture in Orlando’s real estate world. Since 1981, she tirelessly helped families to find homes—driving, showing properties, and guiding clients with warmth and expertise. Retirement? Not on her radar. But when her balance began faltering and her hearing started to fade, the route to her career became increasingly difficult to navigate.
A Sudden Jolt into Diagnosis
The turning point arrived in 2013 after a rear-end collision. Although initially dismissed as minor, the accident prompted an MRI at her chiropractor’s request—and this resulted in her being referred to the neurosurgeons. In May 2015, Sharon underwent spinal stenosis surgery (C‑3 to T‑1 fusion), during which a dura repair was performed. Post-surgery scans revealed she had been bleeding silently for years—a bleed likely dating back to another car crash in the 1980s, according to world-renowned specialist Dr. Levy.
Subtle Signs Take Center Stage
Around 2018, Sharon noticed a troubling decline—she began wobbling, struggling with balance, and grappling with hearing loss. A June 2020 MRI finally identified superficial siderosis, though it was initially misdiagnosed as Ménière’s syndrome. She began vestibular therapy and started using a cane—and, eventually, a walker—as vision issues emerged in early 2022, Prism glasses and hearing aids brought some relief, but still, the fading world felt as though it was closing in.
A Defining Diagnosis—and a Journey to Boston
December 2022 brought confirmation: SS was undeniable. In March 2023, Sharon and her husband flew to Boston to meet Dr. Levy. The road ahead was both hopeful and daunting: he prescribed deferiprone, an experimental iron-chelating medication. The Insurance Company denied it twice before granting approval. Sharon began with four pills daily—but debilitating fatigue forced her to reduce the dose, before slowly ramping back up.
Falls, Fear—and Hope
Despite progress, Sharon’s SS took a toll. A fall in July 2024 prompted doctors to suggest a wheelchair. A startling recommendation for a fit, independent woman—but Sharon refused to give up. She committed to therapy with determination, aiming to regain her strength and mobility.
Adjusting to Life’s New Rhythms
October 2024 brought cross-over hearing aids—keeping her connected to the world she had built. Persistent urinary issues and a dry cough (both linked to SS) remain constant challenges she meets head-on. Yet Sharon’s resilience shines through: she learned to adapt, to pace herself, and to advocate fiercely for her own care.
A Heartfelt Reflection
Sharon’s life is more than her condition. It’s the story of a vibrant woman who built a career on community, connection, and dedication—and refuses to let SS silence her spirit. From her first diagnosis to therapy mats and hospital stays, she has embraced the unknown with courage.
Her journey is far from over. She still fights fatigue, fears the next fall, and wonders if treatment will truly slow SS’s progression. But in every challenge lies opportunity—opportunity for growth, for advocacy, and for shining light on a rare condition few know about.
In Sharon’s own story, we see hope in action.
Her life reminds us that even when balance falters and sounds grow distant, human will—and a supportive community—can rally to keep us moving forward.