Help Ryan CRUSH Pediatric CANCER!

On February 11, 2020, Ryan, an otherwise happy and healthy 6.5 year old, was diagnosed with a rare soft muscle tissue cancer called rhabdomyosarmcoma (stage 3, group 3).

After a few short months of symptoms as other tests and treatments were issued, an MRI on 1/15/20 at the local children's hospital in Tampa, FL finally revealed a mass in Ryan's pelvic region. Wanting to seek a second opinion after initial diagnosis (a benign atypical spindle cell soft muscle tissue tumor), Ryan's mom, Lauren, and dad, Jason, traveled with Ryan to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital for more answers. After another round of scans and biopsies on 2/10/20, the tumor was confirmed the next day by pathology at CCH to be malignant, and the diagnosis was confirmed rhabdomyosarcoma - RMS.

Ryan and his family have made 2 trips so far to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital for further testing and to put a treatment plan together. Ryan's chest CT of his lungs was clear, and the family is now waiting to find out if any of the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes and bone marrow. A port will be placed to administer chemo, and testicular tissue will be extracted and preserved to be used in hopes/as an option of fertility in the future, as chemo and radiation will likely wipe out future testosterone and sperm production in Ryan's body.

Ryan begins chemotherapy on 2/22/20. Ryan and his family will travel back to Tampa, where he will continue to receive chemo locally for approximately 42 weeks. The family will have more trips back up to Cincinnati for possible resection surgery as well as proton radiation therapy. The resection surgery is very risky, as the tumor is affecting multiple structures in Ryan's pelvic area.

Ryan has an almost 3 year old sister, Brooke. Ryan and Brooke have missed each other very much while Ryan has been away. Ryan's family wants to thank all of their amazing friends and family for their support. The support as been overwhelming and appreciated - from helping with Brooke, to goodies for Ryan and his family, to texts, calls, and big reassuring hugs.

Please consider a monetary donation to help with medical expenses and travel costs for Ryan's treatment. EVERY donation is appreciated and will go right to the family. No family should have to go through pediatric cancer. This is just a small way to help support them during this trying time. Please share this page to meet this goal for Ryan!

We love you, RYAN - YOU'VE GOT THIS!