Ryan’s fight is our fight

Ryan Armstrong is as strong as they come! He lost his dad at a very young age. He was diagnosed at age 6 with a hip dysplasia (bilateral epiphyseal hip dysplasia) and had a double femoral Osteotomy (metal plates and long rods inserted on both hips) at age 7. He was diagnosed with a learning disability at a young age. None of this derailed him! He is a happy, well-rounded, typical teenager, starting driver's training and maintaining all A's and B's as a freshman in high school with special education services no longer required! He has overcome so much in his short life. Until last week. After a routine visit to the dentist, where some health concerns were raised, Ryan was admitted to C.S. Mott's Children's hospital and diagnosed with B Cell ALL Leukemia. He and his single mom, Amy Hoover, have been in a whirlwind of tests and treatments since it began. All the while, Ryan, doing things his way, per usual, has handled things with such a strength and courage it amazes us all. He is charming the nurses (for those who know him, this comes as no surprise), he is laughing and joking. He doesn't know any different. To his mom, it's the Ryan Way! Face everything head-on with a smile and a determination like no one else. A group of us, friends of Amy and teachers of Ryan, want to help Amy in her upcoming battle. She will be facing many days of lost wages caring for her son. She will face medical bills and other expenses related to his care and treatment. This is one small way we can all help this mom and her son - his fight is our fight!