Do you work with someone so full of life you envy the pep in their step? We do! Do you have that teammate that makes the best, even in the worse? We do! Ever met that person that can make a room glow? We did! Meet Ryan Hannigan, our friend, teammate, home-town hero, co-worker, our … the list can go on.

Ryan is a career firefighter in the City of Rensselaer, NY and last month; he received life-changing news after working with lower back pain for a month. Right, another pulled muscle from a heavy lift, aches, and pain from that extra-alarm fire or, worse, a malignant mass wrapped around his aorta, pressing on his spin. The cause testicular cancer-a known enemy of firefighters.

Ryan traditionally put the needs of others before his own. Even when not working at the firehouse, Ryan works for North Greenbush Ambulance as a professional provider. Those added hours allowed Ryan to recently purchase his forever home for his kids, who are his joy: Ryan Jr. (10) and Evelyn (6). This new home puts Ryan’s kids in a covenant school system, where he can watch Ryan, Jr. and Evelyn flourish.

Ryan is onto Chemo, but now we need to put Ryan’s needs first. Ryan will be out of work for at least four months. During this time, Ryan’s brother at Local 2643 is working his shifts and offering time to cover scheduled shifts.

We’re setting up this GoFundMe to help Ryan, Ryan, Jr., and Evelyn through this challenging time. A fund account has been established at CapCom (Helping Hannigan), where they will also accept donations. These funds will offset the financial burden and hardship this has created for Ryan and his family.

On behalf of Ryan, Ryan’s family, and his extended families at the City of Rensselaer Fire Department and the North Greenbush Ambulance, we thank you for your love and support for “Helping Hannigan.”