In five days, Ryan went from working full-time, studying for his master’s part-time, and planning for his family's future to starting chemotherapy for T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL).

One week ago, 25-year-old Ryan was focused on building a life with his wife, Emma, and their 15-month-old baby girl. A loving husband and father, a disciple of Christ, an engineer, and a devoted BYU fan, Ryan cherishes time with his family.

Anyone who knows Ryan knows how much he loves being a dad. Every day, his little girl gets excited when he comes home from work. He drops to his knees to play with her. In the evenings she brings him books to read while cuddled in his lap. Those moments mean everything to him.

In August, life changed in one day. Ryan had been unusually tired, but between work, moving his family into a new home, and raising a toddler, it seemed understandable. As he visited doctors, his condition rapidly worsened. Before all the answers came back, Ryan became sick enough to be admitted to the hospital.

Soon he received the devastating diagnosis: T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer that has been found in his bones, chest, and on the top of his head.

One week Ryan and Emma were unpacking boxes in their new home. The next, their lives revolved around hospital rooms, chemotherapy, doctors, and a fight they never imagined they would face.

While Ryan remains hospitalized for a few weeks, he is grateful for the treatment plan that will help him overcome T-ALL. He has started an intensive phase lasting approximately 2½ months followed by roughly two years of ongoing treatment which may include a marrow transplant. At this time, he is unable to work and will transition to short-term disability at reduced income. Meanwhile, Emma is caring for their daughter while supporting Ryan through his treatment.

Through all of this, Ryan and his family are leaning on their faith in Jesus Christ. Their faith doesn't take away the uncertainty of what lies ahead, but it gives them hope and strength as they face it. They are deeply grateful for the prayers being offered on Ryan's behalf and that they do not face this journey alone.

We are raising funds to help cover medical deductibles, copays, treatment-related expenses, and everyday living costs as the family adjusts to reduced income. Our hope is to make finances one less thing Ryan and Emma have to worry about so they can focus on Ryan's treatment and their family.

What Ryan wants isn't complicated. He wants to get through treatment, get out of the hospital, go back to work to support his family, and go home to his family. He wants to have his little girl come to him with a book in her hands.

If you're able to donate, your generosity will directly support Ryan and his family through the difficult months ahead. If you aren't able to contribute financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Ryan, Emma, and their baby girl in your thoughts and prayers.

Let's help Ryan fight his way back home to Emma, to his baby, and to those everyday moments that suddenly mean more than ever.