My name is Erin Maginnis and I have created this page in an effort to help alleviate some financial burden for my brother and sister in law and their family.

Sunday September 8th, 2019 was such a joyous day.... my brother Ryan Maginnis and his fiance Holly McConnell welcomed their son Cian into this world, and instantly he was stealing our hearts. Big sister Kayleigh was so excited to have another baby brother, my mom was so proud to be grandma to her first grandson, and I was excited to be Auntie to this little guy and treat him like the son I didn't have. Things were exciting and fantastic and all we wanted to do was celebrate. Little did we know what lied ahead. 

In the beginning of December Ryan began to experience some health concerns. Abdominal pain and vomiting lead him to being admitted to Headwaters, where doctors quickly diagnosed Crohn's disease. It was a daunting diagnosis, but a manageable one. Within 4 days Ryan was sent home with various medications and a new diet regimen. We thought all would be well. But, a week later Ryan was being admitted to the hospital again. By the end of this week doctor's were preparing to perform surgery to remove the blockage caused by the Crohn's. Then to everyone's shock, on December 13th, the surgeons announced that Ryan's biopsy results had come back from his first stay in the hospital. The surgeons were admittedly wrong. He did not have Crohn's. Unfortunately it was colon cancer. The following morning Ryan was taken into surgery... we had been given all the possible outcomes...good and bad... and so we sat and prayed and hoped for the best. Only a few hours later the docs came back and delivered even more devastating news. It was worse than they thought. Ryan had not only colon cancer, but a rare form of stomach cancer called Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma. The surgeons were unable to remove the cancer, and instead could only do what's called a diversion of the bowel which meant Ryan would now have a colostomy bag...something he did not want. The days that followed were emotional to say the least, and we became aware of what the next steps would be. Ryan would begin an aggressive 3 month chemo treatment to hopefully shrink the cancer. As of this page being created he has received 2 chemo treatments, with another 2.5 months to go. We are hopeful that chemo with show significant shrinkage and then Ryan will be eligible to receive an extremely specialized and lengthy surgery at Mount Sinai in Toronto. 

There is obviously a long road ahead, and Ryan's illness means he is unable to work and provide for his family financially. On top of that, there are increased financial burdens, for medical supplies, dietary supplements that Ryan needs in order to maintain the best possible weight while he fights through chemo, trips to the oncologist in Brampton, and visits to Mount Sinai. Additionally, Holly had only just begun her maternity leave when this all began, therefore her income is reduced too. There are many things they need for Cian as well.... formula, diapers, clothes.... everything a newborn needs.

On behalf of Ryan and Holly, and my entire family, I ask that if there's any amount you think you can contribute, we will forever be grateful.