Our Friend in Need

Hi, we want to tell you a story of our friends, Ryan Cogley, and his brother Will. Two brothers who are very important to us and to countless others in this community of ours called Buffalo NY. Life has taken a very difficult turn for them as it often does unexpectedly. So telling you their story will hopefully explain their need and give you the tools to make the decision to give what you are able, if you are able.

The Cogleys have been living in the Riverside/Blackrock community, at the corner of Hertel and Niagara, since the early 1940s. To say they are a permanent fixture here would be undervaluing their mark on this neighborhood. When their grandfather, Lewis Cogley, moved to the neighborhood he was extremely active in community life. Most anyone you meet here will know Lewis either personally, or will know the name very well. He was a long term serving member in the 21st Ward for years and was active in the community for 55 years under the banner of the Freemasons. Lewis Cogley's home was a safe space for anyone who needed it. And it was a safe space for Ryan and his brother.

Ryan lived with his grandfather from the time he turned 17. He took care of Lewis and his home from that moment on. The close relationship Ryan shared with his grandfather instilled in him the same community values and neighborhood care his grandpa spent a lifetime affirming, on a daily basis. Ryan has spent his life learning and encompassing what it means to be a community. He has been a member of Amvets for 10 years and First vice for the sons of Amvets for over 5. His neighbors know him as kind and helpful person. It was upon the sad departure of Lewis in 2020, to whatever is next, that the home was left to Ryan. Left to him because it is his home. and his brothers home as well.

As many of us are intimately aware of how estates can turn even the best of us it has been placed on Ryan's shoulders to carry the burden of saving his home. It is not truly his responsibility but he has been given zero chance of keeping his home without coming up with the entire estate debt. Not fair but that is life, as we all know.

Unfortunately, in 2020, Ryan's health took a hard turn and after working for over 10- years as an ASE Master certified mechanic he could no longer do this work. For a 30 year old he is broken due to accidents while working and throughout his entire life. His back and neck cannot undergo surgery at this age as it could possibly take away his ability to move completely. He is in the process of filing for disability and cannot move a great deal, let alone work. With only one modest income of his brother it is becoming obvious, within the time parameters, their house is in peril of being sold. Ryan is doing all he can within his limited mobility to acquire whatever funds he can through the sale of much of whatever property he has through online avenues and personal word of mouth. But time running out.

Ryan has worked hard his whole life and been a friend to anyone who has ever needed him. His grandpa could always depend on him and so can anyone who has the fortune of calling him friend. He is there to talk with, offer help when and where he can and never hesitates to do his part in the community. It is now we implore this same community and friends alike to help him. Any help is appreciated more than you could ever know. And the word "grateful" would not even begin to cover just how Ryan and his brother will feel at the beauty of the community and his friends coming together to do whatever they possibly can.