Ryan was an outgoing and selfless 26-year-old when he was diagnosed with DIPG, a highly aggressive and fast-growing form of brain cancer. Prior to his diagnosis, he was living a full, and active life. After graduating from college, he volunteered with the Christian Appalachian Project in eastern Kentucky where he worked on home repairs. Ryan was an athlete and played soccer in college. He loved the outdoors and was adventurous. He went on many camping trips hiking through some of the national parks as well as taking many trips to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. He cared very much about his fellow man and was always ready to help. He was kind to everyone, including the homeless who he would often stop to speak with and invite to grab a sandwich. He was destined to do great things given his compassion for people. 

The first symptom Ryan noticed was numbness in several of his fingers while building a deck for his grandmother. He had to visit two different hospitals before eventually going to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where he was diagnosed with DIPG. Ryan accepted his fate. He never got mad or resentful, and everyone from his care team to his family and friends marveled at this acceptance. 

During his first meeting with his care team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital about his treatment options, Ryan sent his parents and his brother out of the room so he could privately tell the team that he would go through treatment but did not want his family to sell their house or spend all of their money for his fight. This selflessness that was part of him continued throughout his fight. He wanted everyone to know that he was okay whatever happened. Ryan’s family later received a card from his lead doctor at Children's telling them that knowing Ryan, had made him a better doctor.

Ryan’s illness and treatment slowed him down some, but he never stopped seeing his friends. They came to see him from all over the country and even some from abroad who had had the pleasure of meeting him when he traveled for volunteer work.

Ryan battled graciously for 10 months before passing away on August 13, 2012, at the age of 27. Ryan made the world a better place, and the legacy he left behind of goodwill and compassion will continue to shine through all the lives he touched during his time on earth. He made a true difference.

Funding for pediatric brain cancer research is vital. This cruel disease has robbed the world of too many souls.

Thank you for choosing to donate to The Cure Starts Now Foundation. 100% of this donation, after credit card processing fees, goes directly towards research to find the homerun cure for cancer starting with pediatric brain cancer research.

If you would like to make a donation by mail please send a check to:  The Cure Starts Now Foundation; 10280 Chester Road; Cincinnati, OH 45215 and put the child's name in the memo.

The family receives notification of all donations made to this tribute fund automatically.