Kathy Ross and her family are facing an unimaginable loss after the sudden passing of her beloved 20 year old son, Ryan Ross. What was meant to be a joyful Christmas cruise turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when Ryan suffered a seizure on the ship, leading to cardiac arrest. After 18 minutes, he was resuscitated and medivaced to Ft. Lauderdale, where he was placed on life support. Paul, Ryan’s father, accompanied him on the emergency transport, while Kathy had to stay behind and make her own way from the Bahamas. The cruise line required a significant payment of $8,900, before Ryan could be transported off of the ship.

Kathy and Paul spent Christmas in the hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, waiting for news as Ryan remained unconscious and intubated. The day after Christmas, they received the devastating news that Ryan was brain dead. In the midst of their grief, they are honoring Ryan’s wishes by proceeding with organ donation, a process that will take several days. During this time, the family is staying in a hotel in Miami, waiting for the organ donation process and cremation services to be completed so they can bring Ryan home to Virginia and hold a service to celebrate his life.

This fundraiser is to help Kathy and her family with the overwhelming medical bills, travel and hotel expenses, and funeral costs that have come with this tragedy. Your support will help ease their burden as they navigate this painful journey. Please consider donating to show Kathy and her family that they are not alone, and that their community stands with them in love and support.