Ryan The Lion! Our Son, Our Hero!
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Ryan Longoria is a 12-year-old boy who loves life. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of his left leg and it has metastasized to his lungs. He has been battling cancer since May 26, 2015. He has undergone several chemotherapies that have been unsuccessful. He is supposed to have his left leg amputated from the thigh down, with no promise that the cancer in his lungs will clear. He has been in and out of Dell Children’s Hospital due to complications related to his illness, as well as to undergo medically supervised inpatient chemotherapy treatments. He has also spent time at Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston in order to receive other treatments.
Ryan has a loving family, who have been with him every step of the way. Whenever Ryan is in the hospital, his mother, Illiana, is with him every day and night. He is never alone. It’s very important to her to be with him: “I’ve never slept anywhere, but by Ryan’s side since this all started.” His father, Steven Longoria, is also by Ryan’s side when he doesn’t have to be at work at Facilities Solutions Group, where he works in receiving. Steven going to work is of the utmost importance as he is the sole income earner for the family. Ryan’s mother had worked in the medical field for ten years. She had been working eight days in a new position when she found out that Ryan had a tumor. She quit her job that day because she knew he would need her help everyday. Ryan also has two little sisters, Mia Longoria, who is in first grade, and Emilee Longoria, who is in kindergarten. Ryan’s sisters love him dearly. It’s hard for them to witness their big brother fighting cancer. He also has amazing maternal and paternal grandparents who spend time with him at the hospital and have also helped the family by caring for Ryan’s little sisters so they can have a break from being at the hospital.
In many ways, Ryan is like any other 12-year-old boy. He loves video games, electronics and technology. He loves the University of Texas. But he is also quite different. Ryan’s former fifth grade Physical Education teacher, Ryan Johnston, has known Ryan since he was 10-years-old. He has a lot to say about Ryan, about his character and about who he is: “He is very mature for his age. He is a lion among sheep. I call him Ryan the Lion. He’s amazing. It seems like he doesn’t fear anything. He wants to make sure his family is okay. It’s never about him, it’s about those around him. When he was wheeled back into his room after having two liters of blood drained out of his right lung, he smiled and gave me daps. He makes me want to be a better man.” Ryan’s mother also tells of her son’s courage: “Ryan is strong and a fighter, and a true believer in God. His strength builds faith in us daily.” Ryan fell asleep and when he woke up Jesus was there to carry him home. Ryan never lost his battle against cancer. HE WON! Everyday he fought, smiled, loved, and lived he was winning! My son is my Hero! Parents are supposed to teach their children about life, faith, kindness, and bravery. I am not ashamed to say that MY son taught me those things. He touched the lives of many and I want to do one last thing in his memory. This was supposed to happen the weekend after Ryan went to Heaven. He really wanted to be a part of it so I am sure he will be there in spirit cheering us on! Heck, God gave Ryan his leg back so he may just run with us! Thank you all for the support. Please don't think we're doing this for donations were doing this for our son. I can't tell you the pain I feel in my heart , my stomach, my whole body everyday and there is no dollar amount that could take the place of Ryan Daniel Longoria. We have used much of the money raised for obvious reasons so the amount there is not what we have its what's been raised in total. We're so honored to know how many people love our family and more importantly Ryan! Thank you all and God Bless
Ryan has a loving family, who have been with him every step of the way. Whenever Ryan is in the hospital, his mother, Illiana, is with him every day and night. He is never alone. It’s very important to her to be with him: “I’ve never slept anywhere, but by Ryan’s side since this all started.” His father, Steven Longoria, is also by Ryan’s side when he doesn’t have to be at work at Facilities Solutions Group, where he works in receiving. Steven going to work is of the utmost importance as he is the sole income earner for the family. Ryan’s mother had worked in the medical field for ten years. She had been working eight days in a new position when she found out that Ryan had a tumor. She quit her job that day because she knew he would need her help everyday. Ryan also has two little sisters, Mia Longoria, who is in first grade, and Emilee Longoria, who is in kindergarten. Ryan’s sisters love him dearly. It’s hard for them to witness their big brother fighting cancer. He also has amazing maternal and paternal grandparents who spend time with him at the hospital and have also helped the family by caring for Ryan’s little sisters so they can have a break from being at the hospital.
In many ways, Ryan is like any other 12-year-old boy. He loves video games, electronics and technology. He loves the University of Texas. But he is also quite different. Ryan’s former fifth grade Physical Education teacher, Ryan Johnston, has known Ryan since he was 10-years-old. He has a lot to say about Ryan, about his character and about who he is: “He is very mature for his age. He is a lion among sheep. I call him Ryan the Lion. He’s amazing. It seems like he doesn’t fear anything. He wants to make sure his family is okay. It’s never about him, it’s about those around him. When he was wheeled back into his room after having two liters of blood drained out of his right lung, he smiled and gave me daps. He makes me want to be a better man.” Ryan’s mother also tells of her son’s courage: “Ryan is strong and a fighter, and a true believer in God. His strength builds faith in us daily.” Ryan fell asleep and when he woke up Jesus was there to carry him home. Ryan never lost his battle against cancer. HE WON! Everyday he fought, smiled, loved, and lived he was winning! My son is my Hero! Parents are supposed to teach their children about life, faith, kindness, and bravery. I am not ashamed to say that MY son taught me those things. He touched the lives of many and I want to do one last thing in his memory. This was supposed to happen the weekend after Ryan went to Heaven. He really wanted to be a part of it so I am sure he will be there in spirit cheering us on! Heck, God gave Ryan his leg back so he may just run with us! Thank you all for the support. Please don't think we're doing this for donations were doing this for our son. I can't tell you the pain I feel in my heart , my stomach, my whole body everyday and there is no dollar amount that could take the place of Ryan Daniel Longoria. We have used much of the money raised for obvious reasons so the amount there is not what we have its what's been raised in total. We're so honored to know how many people love our family and more importantly Ryan! Thank you all and God Bless
Organizer
Illiana Echols
Organizer
Austin, TX
