Ryan Knutson is only 36 years of age; he is the cornerstone of his family. His joy is truly his family and helping others. He is a devoted husband to his wife Amanda and a loving father to his four kids (ages 16, 12, 11, and 9), not to mention their 3 dogs and a cat.

Last week, on Feb. 4th, 2025, Ryan received the news that no family should ever have to get. He was diagnosed with High Risk APML (Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia). This was an absolute shock, as he went from working a full day on Monday to not being able to walk across the room on Tuesday morning. The first 72 hours were extremely scary as Ryan went downhill so fast that he was barely conscious. We were battling a 103.8-degree fever, and his heart was racing so fast they were watching for a heart attack. He has fought to survive this past week and is more stable, but has a long road ahead. He is currently receiving three different chemotherapy medications, and it is taking a toll on his body. Two of the chemo treatments will be long-term. This is the beginning of a long road for our family. We are being told that he will be an inpatient for 30-60 days. Making it through the next 30 days of treatment would signify a good chance of remission. Even after the inpatient period, he will continue to need chemo for many, many months. There are many unknowns as far as his treatment plan, but it will be extensive and could include more transfusions and a possible bone marrow transplant.

This diagnosis came out of nowhere, and his family has had no way to financially plan for such a major life change. Ryan is the breadwinner of his family and is incredibly hardworking. Amanda is trying to work as much as possible but will not be able to provide solely for their family. While much of the future is unknown, one thing we do know is that Ryan is strong and will continue to fight, but he does need help. Please consider helping make ends meet for this young, beautiful family through this scary and uncertain time. With four kids, a mortgage, two car payments, 3 dogs, and a cat, money will be tight. Any donations received would be used to face the overwhelming challenge of medical expenses, day-to-day expenses, and to supplement the loss of income that they will endure for the unforeseen future.

Ways to help:

We ask that you donate monetarily if you are able. Anything helps. Your support will allow the Knutson family some peace of mind from the mounting debt, so they can focus on what truly matters: Ryan's health and healing.

If you would rather donate directly to the Knutsons, please reach out to Amanda's mom Patti.

We ask for your prayers for Ryan's strength and healing, strength for Amanda, as well as peace of mind for our entire family as we navigate this difficult journey.

Ryan has been working to rebuild an old Jeep (1996) with his oldest son Falen, who just turned 16. They have been working together to complete this as Falen's first car. They still need a couple of parts for the engine, a battery, and new tires before it will be drivable. Please consider giving towards this project if you are able, as it would help to have another driver in the house.

Amanda has a lot on her plate, so please reach out to her mom Patti Ketner with any questions or ways you would like to help. We will try to update this page as things progress.

Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. We need Ryan here with us and healthy! Together, we can help Ryan win this fight and ease his burdens.

Update 2/15/25