Help Ryker Thrive: A Journey of Strength and Hope

On April 7th, 2023, our world was changed forever when our son, Ryker Anthony Kulina, was born. We had a healthy, full pregnancy, but during labor, complications with his oxygen levels led to an emergency C-section for Mackenzie. Ryker was rushed to a hospital with a Level 3 NICU, where doctors worked tirelessly to give him the best chance to minimize the damage from the oxygen deprivation. Despite their efforts, Ryker spent his first month in the hospital, recovering under the watchful eyes of his parents. It was during this time we learned he had been diagnosed with moderate Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). The doctors couldn’t predict how delayed his development would be, only telling us, "We will just have to wait and see."

Just when we thought we could breathe a sigh of relief, less than two weeks after bringing Ryker home, he began to run a fever and could not warm up. We rushed him back to the hospital, where he suffered his first seizure. This led to another month-long stay, and Ryker was diagnosed with epilepsy. As if that wasn’t enough, on his first birthday he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. The weight of these diagnoses has been overwhelming, and the uncertainty of his future leaves us constantly praying for his well-being. Yet, through it all, Ryker’s courage and resilience shine brighter than we ever imagined.

Since day one, we’ve been told the key to giving Ryker the best chance at a fulfilling life is early intervention—therapies, treatments, and specialized equipment. We’ve committed ourselves to providing him with everything he needs, which has meant countless hours spent in therapy, doctor’s visits, and tests. Ryker currently undergoes on average 10-13 therapy sessions per week, and despite both of us working full-time jobs, we will stop at nothing to ensure he gets the best care. But the costs are significant, and that’s why we’re reaching out for support.

Your generous donations will go directly toward funding Ryker’s therapies, treatments, and specialized equipment that will help him adapt and improve his quality of life. Ryker’s strength is truly inspiring—despite facing obstacles that many of us can’t imagine, he continues to fight with an infectious smile and a spirit that lights up every room. Watching him grow, overcome, and thrive in the face of adversity is a gift, and we believe with your help, Ryker can continue to show the world just how strong he is. No diagnosis, whether it’s cerebral palsy or epilepsy, will ever stop him. We will move at his pace, supporting him with everything we have. Thank you for being part of Ryker’s journey and helping us give him the care and future he deserves.