Donate to Rylan's Journey for Healing and Hope

Rylan is a beautiful and vivacious 11 year old girl . When she's not playing softball or hanging out with her friends, she is loving on her 3 younger siblings and probably watching the Steelers, skin care and pampering, or listening to Morgan Wallen. Rylan has a big heart and loves her family and friends. She has recently been diagnosed with DIPG and needs our help and support.

On August 1, Rylan woke up after a fun week at 4H camp. During their morning walk, her mother Katie noticed that she was unsteady and mentioned feeling tingly and unwell. Concerned, she contacted her pediatrician, who had recently treated her for swimmer's ear and a middle ear infection. Although the pediatrician confirmed she still had some swimmer's ear, she was concerned about the tingling and referred them to neurology.

Katie knew that something wasn't right but they all agreed to let her rest that night and reassess in the morning. The next day, when Rylan's symptoms hadn't improved, Katie and Taylor took her to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville. Tests revealed that Rylan tested positive for Lyme disease, but an MRI showed something more serious—a 5½ cm tumor in her brain near the spinal column. Due to its sensitive location, surgery wasn’t an option. A biopsy was recommended to determine the best treatment approach and to explore potential study options.

The biopsy confirmed that Rylan has DIPG, a rare and aggressive cancer. But we believe that God is a miracle worker and can do all things. They are maintaining this positive mindset and will remain hopeful.

After discussing options with her pediatric oncologist, decided to consult further at Washington National Children's Hospital to determine the best course of action for Rylan and the family.

Rylan is now home and adjusting to her new routine. They are focused on her care and the next steps in her treatment. Rylan was looking forward to her first year of middle school as a 6th grader before all of this happened and is hoping to still be able to do so.

We live in a community that rallies together during times like this. The French family will need not only help to cover medical expenses but also meals, time off from work to be with Rylan, and travel expenses. Be on the lookout for upcoming fundraisers in the near future to help with this. I urge you to give through this go fund me page to start helping them immediately. Let's shower them with prayer, encouragement , and give them the financial means to focus on Rylan and their kids. For larger gifts, we are looking for a church sponsor that will allow you to give a tax deductible donation.

The family is so grateful for your support as they start this journey next week