Help support Ryan Renken's battle to fight cancer!

My brother Ryan Renken is a loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. He is a 40-year-old avid fisherman who means the world to the people around him. Ryan is known for his big heart and his will to help anyone he encounters. He has this ability to put a smile on anyone’s face, no matter what the situation is. This year has been especially difficult because he lost his job in May due to Covid-19. After 20 years of digestive issues and a year’s worth of doctor’s appointments, just 4 weeks ago he was diagnosed with cancer. Through these last four weeks he has kept the most positive mindset that would inspire anyone who spoke to him.

We are trying to get as much help as possible for Ryan and his family. The last 4 weeks have been unimaginable. He has been going to multiple appointments and has had several scans/IV’s and blood draws. Ryan has been known to pass out from needles. He hates NEEDLES! The Neuroendocrine tumor in his intestine is inoperable. He will be having surgery on December 8th to reroute his intestine around the tumor. He will have to get monthly shots for the rest of his life to keep the tumor at bay. He also has 6 masses on the liver, which some will be removed on the 8th along with his gallbladder. The gallbladder is being removed because the monthly shots can cause gallstones and his doctors don’t want him to go through another surgery. There is one potential mass on the spine that will be examined more thoroughly after surgery. Doctors say that it will be a long road to recovery, during this time he will be unable to work. This is a major surgery that will leave him with up to a 30-inch scar and a grueling battle both mentally and physically. He will be extremely fatigued and left with little to no energy. Anyone who has known someone or who has had cancer, knows about the anxieties that comes along with it. Nothing is certain when it comes to cancer.

With Ryan losing his job due to Covid-19 the financial burden has heavily increased. Ryan was the only source of income for the household. Erin (his wife) is a stay at home mom who has taken the role of being a teacher to their two kids Bailey (14) and Connor (9). She spends hours a day helping them with their work. Erin will be Ryan’s primary caretaker in these upcoming months adding more stress to her plate. Any donation is greatly appreciated, and the funds will go to medical costs, living expenses and transportation costs.

This cause hits the hearts of all those around him. Seeing a guy who would give you the shirt off his back, going through something so difficult, is extremely tough. Ryan could lose his life and everything that he has worked so hard for. This is to protect his livelihood and the things he has spent a large portion of his life working to achieve.

Any sort of donation helps. We would love and appreciate anything that you can give. If you are unable to donate, we understand. 2020 has been rough for everyone. Please send your prayers and keep Ryan as close to your heart as he is in ours. If you can please share this to as many platforms as you can. Ryan deserves as much help as he can get. Thank you all.