EDIT: This fundraiser was ended October 6, 2021. Thanks to an incredible show of love and support from so many, we lifted a meaningful amount of weight off Ryan and his family's shoulders.

 

Updates will continue to be posted to this page whenever there's a development or a milestone to share! 

 

Much love to everyone.

 

*****

 

In May of 2020, Ryan fell violently ill to a viral infection that began to degrade his neurological functioning. What started with a high fever, vomiting and intense abdominal pain rapidly transitioned to a long list of more frightening symptoms including muscle tremors, body convulsions, severe weight loss, and inability to control internal temperature. Over the past year and a half, Ryan has been seen by at least ten different medical facilities and continues to undergo a series of evaluations, blood work, genetic tests, x-rays, CT scans, MRI's, etc. in arduous pursuit of a diagnosis that could lead to treatment and recovery. COVID has been definitively ruled out, as well as Parkinson's.

 

A lot of us learned about this for the first time on the year anniversary of Ryan's initial infection, when he went public with his ordeal on social media. At the time he also shared hopeful news about his admission into NIH - the nation's leading research hospital - where top neurologists in the field would be looking into his case. Unfortunately the ongoing pandemic put a pause on the most promising studies that might help Ryan. That was five months ago, and a different center has now stepped in to take on this mystery.

 

In the meantime, all of this has taken an enormous toll on Ryan and his family - physically, emotionally and financially - as it would to any one of us. The illness has cost him his FAA medical clearance - ending the dream career he was only a few years into as an airline pilot. He's lost close to 60 pounds since the onset of the first symptoms, with mounting medical bills. The kind of testing required at this point is expensive and beyond the scope of health insurance, due to this condition being so rare .

 

While his wife Kerry has been doing a superhuman job of keeping the family afloat, it's a tremendous load for one partner to shoulder alone. The intention of this fundraiser is to distribute the load across many shoulders. Contributions come in different shapes and sizes, and every single one makes a meaningful difference. It's been a tough year and a half for all of us also, being in various stages of isolation during this pandemic... don't underestimate the power of a phone call. If you can't give, reaching out and simply checking in is huge, for both sides.

 

One last note: Although the lack of a diagnosis can feel discouraging, it's important to remember each test, each scan - even a misdiagnosis - is still progress, because it continues the process of elimination. Every day is another step closer to an answer. With our love and attention, let's make sure Ryan and his family stay on track to get there!

 

All monetary donations will go directly towards paying off Ryan's medical bills. Please stay tuned for periodic updates from Ryan and the family. Much love and gratitude for your time!!!