On Saturday, July 18, our lives changed in an instant.

My husband, Ryan Ross, suffered a massive heart attack at home and was rushed to our local hospital. Because of the severity of his condition, he was airlifted to a cardiac intensive care unit where an incredible team of physicians saved his life.

Ryan underwent emergency surgery, during which doctors implanted an Impella heart pump to support his heart while it recovered. He also received two coronary stents to restore blood flow. Over the following days, his medical team gradually reduced his support from the Impella as his heart began taking over on its own.

On Wednesday, July 22, Ryan successfully underwent surgery to have the Impella removed, a major milestone in his recovery.

But the journey is not over.

Ryan remains in the ICU as the doctors work to safely awake him from sedation and remove his breathing tube. While we're encouraged by each step forward, recovery from such a serious cardiac event is expected to be long and challenging.

Ryan is a husband of nearly 18 years, a father to two boys, 10 and 5, a son, brother, son-in-law, friend, professor, and musician.

We're creating this fundraiser to help offset the overwhelming financial impact of this medical emergency including hospital and specialist bills, surgery, cardiac care, rehab, medications, travel expenses, and lost income.

Most of all, we ask for your prayers. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary medical team caring for Ryan and for every message, prayer, meal, and act of kindness we've received. Your support means the world.

Thank you for standing with our family.