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Hangin' Tough with Ryan...

Here's the story of our miracle! Ryan was diagnosed in April, 2004 with a spinal cord tumor that spread to the brain. He underwent several surgeries, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. He lost all motor function, but has worked so hard to regain most use of his arms and legs. His unbreakable spirit and determination have inspired countless numbers of people. This little boy has shown us all how precious life is and to never take a single thing for granted. He is a warrior and a hero. Twice he has been on hospice - given only days to weeks to live - and twice he has beaten the odds. God has shown Himself a strong presence and has granted us many miracles throughout our journey.
In 2007 Ryan was diagnosed with kyphosis, a curvature of his spine. The curvature significantly worsened, and in March 2008 we started the process of correcting the curvature. He was placed in halo traction for two months, and had a spinal fusion surgery in May. Ryan continues to work hard everyday. He attends second grade and goes to private PT and OT. Because of Ryan's strength and the grace of God, we KNOW that Ryan is completely healed and that God has some amazing plans in store for him!
We BELIEVE in the power of prayer and ask all those who know of Ryan and his story to storm the gates of heaven with prayer for our beautiful son.

"God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out." I Corinthians 10:13

John 11:4 This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Journal

Sunday, May 29, 2011 7:28 AM CDT

The following is a speech that I had written for a tree dedication ceremony last week. Ryan's elementary school had a tree planted in Ryan's honor and this is the speech I gave at the ceremony. I want to share it with everyone.

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for coming today. There are so many people to thank, I hate to start listing people individually for fear that I will forget someone. So, instead, I will just thank everyone involved in getting this tree placed here in Ryan’s honor. This entire community has been amazing in their support for Ryan, and we are truly grateful.
There are so many things that I could say about Ryan, I really don’t even know where to start. Ryan was and will always be my hero. Ryan showed us all how to live life – no matter what situation we are in. He taught us to always smile, always laugh, and always love. He showed us all how to thrive in the face of adversity, and how to truly enjoy life, to enjoy even the simplest of things, in spite of any obstacles we may face. He taught the children of this school district how to not only accept, but LOVE others no matter what their physical abilities are. He gave the children of this community a foundation of love. He inspired a spirit of love not only in Canal Fulton, but in many surrounding communities.
Parents, please continue to foster that spirit of love and acceptance in your children. Learn from them, and incorporate that same spirit into your hearts. Kids, remain open to people of all physical and mental abilities – continue to accept and love all of your classmates. Keep Ryan’s spirit in your hearts. Be proud that you can say that you knew him. It was an honor to be a part of his life.
For seven years Ryan fought a hard fight, and he did it with a smile on his face. For seven years, we prayed incessantly for a miracle. For seven years, all we wanted was for Ryan to live. So, for seven years, all we ever asked for from anyone was prayers. Now, I am asking you all for something. I am asking you to help keep Ryan’s spirit and memory alive. I don’t ever want him to be forgotten. Say his name, keep his picture up on the wall, talk about him, remember his feisty, ornery personality, smile when you think of something funny he did or said, chuckle when you remember his contagious laugh or his irresistible dimples. Maybe even eat a slice of cheese pizza every once and awhile and think of him.
We always need to remember the lessons Ryan was put here to teach.

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