Everyone who knows Ryan knows that he is the kindest, caring, most hard working guy around. He, his wife Ashley and their kiddos are loved by so many family and friends. Ryan and Ashley are always volunteering their time and talents for The American Cancer Society, Akron Children's Hospital and countless other organizations. They are the first people to step up to help anyone. Now it is our turn to step up and help them. Ryan has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer. This devastating news came after 2 separate hospital stays and a major ileostomy surgery. His medical bills are already starting to pile up and his long battle has just begun. As a small business owner, there is no paid time off, FMLA, disability pay and minimal health insurance options. In fact, unbelievably, he hasn't missed a beat at work. He and Ashley continue to provide their clients with amazing photography day in and day out. As of now he has bills for an ambulance ride, 2 separate hospital stays that total 12 days, a major surgery, in home health care and medical supplies for his ostomy, and countless scans, blood tests, port placement, the list goes on and on. Ryan has begun chemo and intends to fight this with everything he has. He is feeling great, working hard and is focused on healing. They are not focused on the diagnosis, but on living their lives to the fullest. At this time, they have decided to not tell the children of this cancer diagnosis. It is a very personal decision, and one that they will revisit as needed. To date, Ryan is feeling strong and fighting like a true champ. Tommy and Maddie understand that Ryan is still healing from surgery and receiving medication through his port. It took me a long time to convince Ryan and Ashley to let me start this page from them, which it totally understandable. They are worried someone will let something slip around the kids, and he is afraid people will treat him differently out of sympathy. The Smas family wants everyone to rally with positive thoughts and prayers, but also to spend time with them to create many happy memories. They are looking to friends and family to help them find laughter and joy during this very difficult time. I know everyone will have a ton of questions for them, but please respect his wishes especially as far as the kids are concerned. Also please be mindful when sharing not to mention their business by name. I would hate for their business to be negatively impacted due to somebody not having all the info and drawing conclusions. Please consider making a donation to help this wonderful family pay all these unexpected bills and maintain all the normalcy possible for Tommy and Maddie.