Hi, I’m Susan. I’m a retired nurse and legal nurse consultant, and caring for people has been the center of my life for as long as I can remember. This November 27th marks 30 years that I have been William “Bryan” Rilenge’s mother-in-law. I know this man well, and today I am asking for urgent help.

Bryan recently suffered a hypertensive emergency that resulted in functional blindness. As a former nurse and someone who loves Bryan, this is the worst kind of diagnosis.

He is no longer able to drive, read, use a computer or phone independently, or perform daily tasks that require functional sight. Our focus now is safety, adaptation, and preventing further complications.

Funds raised will go toward continued medical follow-up, adaptive equipment, accessibility devices, mobility and technology training, and income support while he learns how to navigate life without sight.

Bryan has always been the person who shows up for others:

During the pandemic, he founded the Pet Business Support & Resources group to help small pet businesses survive and organized a 24-hour Stream-a-thon fundraiser to distribute funds to struggling owners. Since 2008, his events have helped facilitate the adoption of over 93,000 pets nationwide. He's also enjoyed coaching girls' and boys' basketball.

In 2023, he stepped away from his own career to support my daughter through a catastrophic life crisis. I have never seen a man love his wife more. He has always been fiercely independent and deeply devoted to his family.

Now he is facing a life-changing diagnosis. Those of us who love him are asking for urgent help as he adapts to a world he can no longer see.

If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Your support means more than you know.

With gratitude,

Susan Marchiselli