Support Ryan in his battle with ALS

Dear Friends,

We come to you asking for your help in a situation we never thought we would have to face. Everyone who knows Ryan knows he is kind, loving, loyal, honest, an amazing father, and a loving husband. He’s a goofball, a brother, a son, and a friend. No one deserves a life with ALS, especially not someone like Ryan.

I met Ryan in the summer of 2015. I was an international worker on a visa at a local country club where we both worked. We fell in love, and although I had to return to South Africa, we continued our relationship long distance. We knew we wanted to spend our lives together, but financial constraints and distance kept us apart. Years passed, but in 2021 we reconnected. Ryan had a good job as a driver for UPS, and the idea of applying for a fiancée visa finally became possible. We got engaged in South Africa and began the process to bring me to the USA after many years. We were so excited to finally spend our lives together!

Amidst this journey towards our future together, Ryan began experiencing health issues. We believed it could be a manageable condition, but months of tests, doctor's visits, and referrals, we received the devastating diagnosis in March 2022 – ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a neurological disease that causes muscle weakness and deterioration with no known cure. This was a devastating blow for us and everyone who knows and loves Ryan.

In the wake of this news, we faced numerous challenges and emotional ups and downs. Ryan’s condition began to worsen, and he was no longer able to do the things he loves like cooking, playing video games, and driving. He could no longer work the job he loved.

We longed to be together, to support one another during these trying times, but the legal process of immigration took up many of the precious months we needed to prepare for the life ahead of us. Finally, in June 2023, after 19 months of waiting, my visa was approved, and I could marry and begin caring for my husband in the USA.

During the time since Ryan’s diagnosis, his mobility has begun to deteriorate and simple things like showering and maneuvering through our home is becoming more difficult. He can no longer work and with my inability to work due to visa restrictions, and his limited income from social security since May 2023, we are struggling to make ends meet.

We have limited time and urgently need to adapt our living space to accommodate my husband's needs. Specifically, we need to build a handicapped bathroom, with a wheelchair-accessible shower, toilet, and sink for Ryan. We also need to create a wheelchair pathway to the car, ensuring easy and safe transportation for my husband, free from the worry of steps. These things are not covered by insurance, and with no savings, we are seeking help.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will go towards ensuring my husband's comfort and well-being as he battles ALS.

We are deeply grateful for your support. This is not the life that Ryan or I imagined, but we are grateful to be together and spend the time we have loving each other and being with family rather than worrying how we will be able to shower or safely move through the house.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and for helping us face these challenges with strength and love. Your kindness will leave a lasting impact on our lives, and we will be forever grateful.

With love and many thanks,

Grizelda, Ryan, and our family