Team Ryan

Just a few short months ago, my brother-in-law, Ryan Long, was a healthy 37 year old man living life to the fullest with his wife, Anna, as they were trying to start a family.

In early June, Ryan had what he thought was a sore throat. After a couple of weeks he was having trouble swallowing and eating. He saw his doctor several times with no diagnosis other than possible anxiety. He was put on an anxiety medication for a month with no improvement. Ultrasounds did not show anything and neither did xrays. A CT was done in the emergency room and what was thought to be cancer was found. An EGD was ordered for the following week. When it was finally done, Ryan had not been able to eat for several weeks and had lost about 40 pounds. On Friday, August 31st, Ryan was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma, stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. 

Ryan went through a very painful procedure to have a peg tube placed, but every time anything would hit his stomach, he would become sick.  On the follow up with the Oncologist, they learned that the cancer had spread to his liver and spine. Ryan was extremely pale and weak. The doctor admitted him to the hospital and started him on heavy doses of Chemo. Ryan was finally able to tolerate a tube feeding and was released to go home today, September 11th. 

Ryan’s working days are over. The chemo will not cure his cancer, but it will hopefully shrink it enough to relieve some of his pain. Our family is devastated as this prognosis has changed Ryan and Anna’s lives forever, and has affected so many others. They have had to use all of their savings for the tremendous copays and deductibles and now are in fear of losing their home and the pets they love so much. We are asking for donations to help offset the costs of Ryan losing his income and the medical costs that are quickly rising.

We appreciate any and all help that is given. Ryan and Anna are known for helping in any way they can and have never asked for help themselves. If you can’t give, please pray for this sweet couple.