If you have been lucky enough to have crossed paths with Kristen Ryan, you know that she is a radiant, shining star of positive, infectious energy. And if you have been blessed enough to have known her, you know that she is the consummate caretaker – selflessly taking care of her friends and family and being there for anyone that needs a helping hand. Her positivity has continued to shine even through the hardship of unexpectedly losing her partner, Ryan, on New Year’s Day 2025 to pancreatic cancer.
Now it is OUR time to come together to return the love Kristen has shown for everyone around her and help Kristen through her own cancer journey.
Just before Christmas, Kristen was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. Based on testing done on the cancers after surgery, along with genetic testing, her doctors will determine the best course of post-surgical treatment. This will likely include radiation, chemotherapy, and/or gene therapy. The journey ahead is not going to be easy.
Compounding Kristen’s cancer diagnosis are multiple underlying chronic health conditions that will make her healing journey more arduous and complicated.
Kristen is self-employed in the trades and will not be able to work as she embarks on her recovery journey. The tumor on her right side has made it virtually impossible for her to use her right arm, resulting in a significant amount of lost work leading up to the diagnosis. This confluence of difficult events has and will continue to severely impact her finances.
Kristen is the matriarch of her family, which includes her granddaughters Athena and Lily, her son Devin, his wife Amanda, and her daughter Aydin. On top of her caregiving roles and serious health issues, further upheaval is expected as Kristen and her family will be preparing to move as the home they have been living in is being sold this spring.
We all know that Kristen is tough as nails, stubborn as a bull, vibrant as a rainbow, as loving as a kitten, and fueled by infinite optimism. These incredible qualities have powered her through so many life challenges. Help us bolster her strength and peace of mind so she can focus on healing, wellness, and life after cancer.
Britt and Melita, two of her oldest friends, are setting up this GoFundMe to help ease Kristen’s burden as she has done so many times for so many countless people. Now is the time to rally around this amazing mother, grandmother, sister, and true friend to shower her with the love and support she deserves. Please join us in celebrating Kristen to keep her light shining bright during this difficult time.