Trout 2025 GoFundMe

Our sweet Ryan “Trout” Troutwine, who was first diagnosed with Uveal Ocular Melanoma in September of 2021 causing him to lose his left eye, has discovered that this extremely rare and aggressive form of melanoma has returned.

On August 6, Trout went in for a routine MRI to discover why his prosthetic hadn’t been fitting correctly, and unfortunately the imaging revealed a very large melanoma tumor has grown in his left orbital cavity where he previously lost his eye. Because of the size, location, and rare makeup of this melanoma tumor, Trout cannot be treated in Missoula, so his local oncologist recommended seeking treatment at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. Since then, Trout and Nicko have been traveling back and forth for further testing and meetings with the various doctors, surgeons, and specialists on his care team to devise a treatment plan.

On August 26 Trout had a PET scan which unfortunately highlighted another area of concern that will need a biopsy to determine if it’s cancerous. The biopsy is scheduled for Sept 25, and we will provide updates towards the end of the month.

Right now, our friends need our support and love, as the road to healing and recovery is unknown. They will be heading back to Seattle for more tests and surgery on September 24, the 3rd anniversary of their wedding, and the tumor removal surgery has been scheduled for October 1. After surgery, Trout will need 5-7 nights in the hospital to heal under supervision, as well as 1-2 weeks in Seattle staying near the hospital to continue treatment and healing before heading home. Following surgery, further trips back and forth to Seattle for care, eventual radiation, and possibly immunotherapy will be required to ensure that his doctors can do everything possible to help him beat this.

While Trout's insurance has been helpful and cooperative so far, the financial and medical stress is piling on and taking its toll. Both Nicko and Trout have already taken close to 1 month of unpaid leave from their jobs, and will need to take at least 4-8 more weeks of unpaid time. Our hope is to relieve some of their stress, so that the major focus of their energy can be healing, taking care of each other, and getting our sweet Trout back on his feet and living his best life.

Any little bit helps, and we appreciate you sharing this link for exposure. And, if you’d rather help out in another way gift cards for gas, groceries, food/coffee, Amazon, hotel/vacation rental stays, Costco, etc. are extremely helpful, or you are also welcome to send funds directly to Trout via Venmo at @trout406 .