After an incredibly hard battle with stage 4 colon cancer, Ryan passed away surrounded by love. He faced every challenge with strength, courage, and an unwavering love for his family. Through it all, Brianna stood right beside him, advocating, supporting, and loving him every step of the way.

Ryan was more than his diagnosis. He was a devoted husband, an incredible father to Ainsley and Eli, a loyal friend, and family member. He showed up for people in the ways that mattered most, whether that was encouraging kids on the field, supporting friends through life’s ups and downs, or simply being someone others could count on. He brought so much light to the people around him, and the impact he made will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Now, Brianna and the kids are facing life in the after. As they begin to navigate unimaginable grief, Brianna is also carrying the weight of funeral expenses, ongoing medical bills, time away from work, and the day-to-day needs of raising two young children.

This GoFundMe is an opportunity for all of us, friends, family, and community, to come alongside them in a real and tangible way. Your donation will help ease that burden while giving Brianna the time and space to grieve, and will help support Ainsley and Eli as they begin to navigate life without their dad.

If you can give, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If not, sharing this page means more than you know.

Most of all, we ask that you keep Brianna, Ainsley, and Eli in your thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Let’s continue to show up for this family just as Ryan showed up for so many of us. There is no wrong way to give. Each option directly supports Brianna and the kids.

GoFundMe or Venmo (@Brianna-LaPlant-1) - may be used for general support with immediate and ongoing expenses. Venmo may prompt you to confirm the last four digits of Brianna’s phone number, which are 9640.

529 Education Funds- contributions can be made directly toward Ainsley and Eli's future education as a one-time donation or a yearly contribution. For Illinois residents, contributions to 529 plans may be eligible for state income tax deduction.

* Ainsley's 529 Link- https://www.ugift529.com/gifttpl/ugift/create/viewCollectGifterDetail.cs?ugiftcode=20Q-U52

*Eli's 529 Link- https://www.ugift529.com/gifttpl/ugift/create/viewCollectGifterDetail.cs?ugiftcode=79U-993

To read more about Ryan’s journey, Brianna kept a detailed CaringBridge journal here:

https://www.caringbridge.org/site/11b0a294-45cc-11ef-8882-87180e5c5b25