Ryan's Medical Fund
Donation protected
SEE UPDATE BELOW...
On February 4, my 22 year old nephew Ryan Haag, went to the ER with terrible pain in his left thigh. The ER doctor ordered a variety of tests, and by 2AM that morning, he told Ryan and his Mom, Jennifer Casey (my sister), that if what he suspected was true, that this would be a life changing event for Ryan. Indeed it was. Within a few days, Ryan had met with an oncologist in Lynchburg who told them that he had cancer. He suspected a sarcoma type tumor, approx 8" - 9" (which is a cancer in the soft tissue), and he suspected it was a childhood type of cancer, which was quite a surprise, as Ryan is 22. The oncologist recommended that Ryan go to St. Jude Children's Research Center and Hospital for treatment as that would be his best chance of beating the cancer. With help from some special friends, lots of prayer and several miracles, Ryan was able to submit his medical records to St. Jude for review. Normally St. Jude doesn't except patients over the age of 19 unless it can be proven that the cancer is a form of childhood/adolescent cancer.
Within 3 days of the review, Ryan and Jennifer were on a plane to St. Jude in Memphis, TN. Ryan had a variety of tests and Dr. appointments his first week at St. Jude to confirm a diagnosis and prepare his method of treatment. Ryan was diagnosed with a 22cm tumor, called Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcoma (NRSTS) - a very rare cancer. (https://www.stjude.org/disease/non-rhabdomyosarcoma-soft-tissue-sarcoma.html)
On Thursday, Feb. 23, we learned that he will be at St. Jude for 7 months. He will take 5 types of chemo, the first 2 on Monday (Feb. 27)-- and then in cyles over a period of 22 weeks. After surgery he'll likely begin proton radiation therapy that will occur 5 times per week (M-F) with some days overlapping the chemo. Surgery is scheduled June 5 to remove the tumor.
It's going to be a rough road, but Ryan is young and healthy otherwise, and he has a CAN DO attitude to beat this. Prior to Feb. 4, Ryan was working for VA Dept. of Transportation part time and was waiting to be called for full time work. He has a girlfriend, Sydney. They've been dating for three years. Ryan was beginning his adult life, but now it's on hold for at least a year while he beats this cancer.
His mom, Jennifer, is on disability, so funds between them both are very little. Though St. Jude will take care of room and board and all the medical costs, there are still misc. expenses they have to cover. Funds collected will help with meals that aren't covered, transportation outside of the hospital when needed, some previous expenses they have to cover in Virginia, and medical costs incurred before going to St. Jude.
UPDATE: Ryan has been cancer free now (5+months) since his chemo/radiation treatments have ended! Funds are no longer requested for Ryan, however, we do encourage you to Support St. Jude. or Ronald McDonald House in Memphis.
Also, if you're a supporter of St. Jude, thank you! For so many children and young people, this is their life line! Use this hashtag for Ryan when needed: #teamryan1994. Thank you, and God bless you all!
Ryan was getting ready to have the chemo port put in his chest (to help save veins during treatment). 
Ryan and my Mom were very close. He helped her a lot as she became less mobile. 
Ryan spent a little over a year at the Patrick Henry Boys Home. He did great there and it helped him become the young man he is today.
This family photo was taken a couple days before Ryan and Jennifer left for St. Jude. Pictured: r-l: Ryan, Jennifer, sister Amanda, Ryan's niece Avery, and brother-in-law, Alex.
On February 4, my 22 year old nephew Ryan Haag, went to the ER with terrible pain in his left thigh. The ER doctor ordered a variety of tests, and by 2AM that morning, he told Ryan and his Mom, Jennifer Casey (my sister), that if what he suspected was true, that this would be a life changing event for Ryan. Indeed it was. Within a few days, Ryan had met with an oncologist in Lynchburg who told them that he had cancer. He suspected a sarcoma type tumor, approx 8" - 9" (which is a cancer in the soft tissue), and he suspected it was a childhood type of cancer, which was quite a surprise, as Ryan is 22. The oncologist recommended that Ryan go to St. Jude Children's Research Center and Hospital for treatment as that would be his best chance of beating the cancer. With help from some special friends, lots of prayer and several miracles, Ryan was able to submit his medical records to St. Jude for review. Normally St. Jude doesn't except patients over the age of 19 unless it can be proven that the cancer is a form of childhood/adolescent cancer.
Within 3 days of the review, Ryan and Jennifer were on a plane to St. Jude in Memphis, TN. Ryan had a variety of tests and Dr. appointments his first week at St. Jude to confirm a diagnosis and prepare his method of treatment. Ryan was diagnosed with a 22cm tumor, called Non-Rhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcoma (NRSTS) - a very rare cancer. (https://www.stjude.org/disease/non-rhabdomyosarcoma-soft-tissue-sarcoma.html)
On Thursday, Feb. 23, we learned that he will be at St. Jude for 7 months. He will take 5 types of chemo, the first 2 on Monday (Feb. 27)-- and then in cyles over a period of 22 weeks. After surgery he'll likely begin proton radiation therapy that will occur 5 times per week (M-F) with some days overlapping the chemo. Surgery is scheduled June 5 to remove the tumor.
It's going to be a rough road, but Ryan is young and healthy otherwise, and he has a CAN DO attitude to beat this. Prior to Feb. 4, Ryan was working for VA Dept. of Transportation part time and was waiting to be called for full time work. He has a girlfriend, Sydney. They've been dating for three years. Ryan was beginning his adult life, but now it's on hold for at least a year while he beats this cancer.
His mom, Jennifer, is on disability, so funds between them both are very little. Though St. Jude will take care of room and board and all the medical costs, there are still misc. expenses they have to cover. Funds collected will help with meals that aren't covered, transportation outside of the hospital when needed, some previous expenses they have to cover in Virginia, and medical costs incurred before going to St. Jude.
UPDATE: Ryan has been cancer free now (5+months) since his chemo/radiation treatments have ended! Funds are no longer requested for Ryan, however, we do encourage you to Support St. Jude. or Ronald McDonald House in Memphis.
Also, if you're a supporter of St. Jude, thank you! For so many children and young people, this is their life line! Use this hashtag for Ryan when needed: #teamryan1994. Thank you, and God bless you all!
Ryan was getting ready to have the chemo port put in his chest (to help save veins during treatment). Ryan and my Mom were very close. He helped her a lot as she became less mobile. Ryan spent a little over a year at the Patrick Henry Boys Home. He did great there and it helped him become the young man he is today.This family photo was taken a couple days before Ryan and Jennifer left for St. Jude. Pictured: r-l: Ryan, Jennifer, sister Amanda, Ryan's niece Avery, and brother-in-law, Alex.Organizer and beneficiary
LuAnn Hunt
Organizer
Amherst, VA
Jennifer Casey
Beneficiary
Inspired to help? Start a fundraiser for someone you know
