If you’ve ever met Mr. Alo, you know he’s anything but quiet. Boisterous, witty, brilliant, and full of life, Ryan Alo has a personality that can fill any room and a heart big enough to lift up everyone in it. Whether teaching, mentoring, or leading, Ryan has spent his career helping others find their voice and purpose, often with a laugh, a challenge, or that classic “you’ve got this”, delivered with that look that said he absolutely meant it.

Over the years, Ryan has shaped countless lives as a business teacher at Southside High School, Elmira Free Academy, and Windsor High School, and later as an administrator at Johnson City and Waverly High School. His work at Waverly helped launch Career & Technical Education programs and The Den, initiatives that continue to change students’ lives by giving them opportunity, direction, and a place to belong.

But anyone who really knows Ryan knows his impact goes far beyond the classroom. He’s poured himself into this community, serving with Greater Valley EMS, as the Treasurer for Chemung Fire Department, and as a board member of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. Through it all, Ryan has shown up for others, not for attention or credit, but because that’s who he is.

Ryan is genuine, strong, and deeply compassionate, never a pushover, never fake, and never afraid to stand his ground for what was right. He’s fought through personal challenges that would have broken most people, and he’s done it with courage, grit, and that trademark blend of humor and heart. He is proof that strength doesn’t have to be loud (though he certainly could be when needed!), it can also be loyal, loving, and unshakably human.

Now, it’s our turn to show up for him.

Ryan is currently in the ICU at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, courageously fighting advanced metastatic lung cancer. His condition has recently worsened, and his loved ones, including his four amazing children (ages 11 to 17), his devoted partner, and his closest friends, have been by his side every step of the way. The hospital is over two hours from home, and even with discounted lodging, hotel rooms near the hospital still cost around $70 per night. The constant travel, time away from work, and emotional toll have created a heavy financial strain for the family.

This fundraiser will help cover:

Travel and lodging costs while staying near the hospital

Daily expenses and bills at home

Relief from the financial hardship that comes with long-term hospitalization and care, and what’s to come

Ryan has always been the one lifting others up, the teacher who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself, the colleague who had your back, the friend who showed up no matter what. His heart, his courage, and his honesty have made a permanent mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Now, let’s rally around Ryan and his family with that same fierce love, generosity, and strength that he’s shared with all of us.

Thank you for standing with Ryan and his family through this fight.

Cashapp: $Polkrainian

Venmo: @Jason-Seidel-8