Ryan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on September 13, 2012 at the age of 7.
The next day he had a port surgically placed in his chest and began chemotherapy. Based on his initial poor response to treatment, his cancer was classified as “high risk.” The doctors began discussing a bone marrow transplant. It was then discovered that the chemotherapy had caused a blood clot in his head. This required two shots a day for six months to dissolve the clot. Two months into his treatment Ryan was taking six medications a day. He got sick, lost his hair and battled fevers. He had numerous lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirations, blood transfusions, and missed all of 2nd grade. However with time the blood clot dissolved and the chemo began to work. After six month of harsh treatments, doctors determined he was officially in remission. After 3 ½ years of treatment Ryan finally took his last chemotherapy pill in January 2016.
Sadly, at his 11-month routine checkup at Arnold Palmer Hospital they determined Ryan had relapsed. On December 19, 2016 chemotherapy treatment was restarted. Ryan is back in the fight. He has been so brave throughout his journey. However he is now older and wiser. He knows what lies ahead. Through it all he continues to fight and inspire others. Please join us and Rally for Ryan!
Donations given to the Rally for Ryan Fund have generously supported a St. Baldrick's Fellow grant for Jeremy Rubinstein, M.D., Ph.D., a St. Baldrick's Scholar grant for Challice Bonifant, M.D., Ph.D., and Shannon Maude, M.D., as well as a St. Baldrick's Research Grant for Aristotelis Tsirigos, Ph.D. These researchers are developing better treatment options for hard-to-treat leukemia.
The St. Baldrick's Foundation is guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee, comprised of leading experts in the childhood cancer community, to ensure that every dollar makes the greatest impact for kids with cancer.
These people make us smile — they’re the doers and money-raisers on behalf of the Rally for Ryan Fund. They’re shaving their heads, hosting events, starting fundraisers and more to make childhood cancer research possible.
Start your own St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event to raise money on behalf of our Hero Fund! You’ll be paired with a staff member who will walk you through every step of the process, and you’ll have fun knowing you’re doing a great thing for kids with cancer.
Register to shave your head and raise money for our Hero Fund at any St. Baldrick’s event happening around the world! Not finding an event near you? Register as a virtual shavee and shave your head anytime, anywhere.
Head-shaving not your thing? You can start a fundraiser to raise money for our Hero Fund with St. Baldrick’s in a way that interests you! Like biking? Bike a marathon. Like baking? Start a cookie baking fundraiser… You get the picture.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation
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(888) 899‑2253 · sbinfo@stbaldricks.org
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization, IRS identification number 20-1173824.
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