Support Simonne's Journey Against DIPG

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

Our sweet Simonne Ryan, just 3 years old, has recently been diagnosed with a DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) brainstem tumor. This heartbreaking diagnosis came suddenly after a series of unexplained symptoms led us to seek answers, only to be met with the news no family should ever have to hear.

Simonne has been admitted to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, where she is currently receiving care. DIPG is a rare and aggressive tumor that affects the brainstem, making it incredibly difficult to treat. However, there is hope. Radiation therapy can help slow the tumor’s growth and decrease the size, giving Simonne more precious time with her family and a fighting chance.

We would first like to ask everyone to keep Simonne in your prayers as she begins this challenging journey.

Calm in the Storm

One of the most well-known stories in Jesus' life is the calming of the storm (Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25).

Think about the disciples hanging out on a boat with Jesus when a life-threatening storm erupts on the water. They’re unprepared to face it. Panicking, they realize they might die. The entire time this is happening, Jesus is sleeping peacefully.

Instead of looking at Jesus’ reaction to their situation, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions.

After begging Jesus to do something, He calms the storm … but not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”

His gentle rebuke wasn’t because they didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe He would see them through it. 

They knew Jesus was in their boat, they just didn’t understand what He was fully capable of doing. 

Jesus was their strength through the storm and over the storm. 

Jesus was their provider, protector, healer, and leader.  

Jesus was their source of peace and power. 

And the same God who was with the disciples in the boat is with us. No matter what your current storm looks like—Jesus is near. There is not a situation you have gone through that Jesus hasn’t endured beside you.  

Jesus was, and is, and is to come. He was there at the beginning of time, and He will be there at the end of it. He has seen every event in human history, and He has not forsaken anyone who cries out for Him and trusts in Him. 

Nothing is impossible for God, and His character never changes. He is for you, and not against you—that’s why you have nothing to fear. And that is why today, you can make Isaiah 41:13 your own personal promise: 

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

We are starting this fundraiser to help cover the overwhelming costs of Simone’s treatment, therapy, and recovery. Your generous support will go toward:

• Radiation Therapy: To slow the tumor’s progression and give Simone more time.

• Medical Expenses and Support: Covering hospital stays, medications, and any unexpected costs as we navigate this difficult journey.

• (If needed) Travel and Specialized Care: If we reach our goal, we hope to take Simonne out of state to a specialized treatment center with access to new and promising procedures that could make a difference in her fight.

Simonne is an incredibly vibrant, playful little girl who loves singing along with Elsa and Ana, playing with her baby dolls and Peppa the pig, and snuggling up with her parents. She deserves every chance to continue being a kid. Our family is determined to fight alongside her, but we cannot do this alone.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to giving Simonne the care she needs and the hope she deserves. If you’re unable to give financially, sharing this fundraiser with your community means the world to us.

Please help us fight for Simonne’s future. Thank you for your love, prayers, and generosity