We have detected that JavaScript is currently disabled. CaringBridge is best viewed with JavaScript enabled.

Athanasius’s Story

Site created on March 28, 2021

On March 24th, Athanasius Luke Ruf (son of Lisa and Christian Ruf), was found to have a large (softball size) tumor rapidly growing inside him. From Chippewa Falls, WI, he was sent to the Minneapolis Children's Hospital for further testing and diagnosis. He has since been diagnosed as having a rhabdoid tumor in his abdomen, but thankfully not in his brain or bone marrow. The journal entries on this site are intended to provide everyone with regular updates regarding his health status.

This is not the site where donations can be made to help with anticipated medical expenses. Any donations made on this website will go to the CaringBridge site itself and not to Lisa and Christian Ruf. If you wish to donate to Lisa and Christian for Athanasius, then please go to:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/athanasius-medical-expenses

Newest Update

Journal entry by Dan Foos — 3 hours ago

Some fun news for tonight ... Athanasius (Baby A) has his first two teeth! Apparently, they are nice and sharp too. I can’t see them in the picture, but Lisa assures us they are there!

Baby A also had a visit from the occupational therapist today who got him some arm exercise by putting toys in front of him and then pulling them away when he reached for them. Lisa said it was a fun game for him and he was laughing.

Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser

Support Links

Helpful Requests

Go to Ways to Help

Keep In Touch

Send me emails on supporting a friend in tough times through stories, articles, videos and more.

First Name

Help Us Prevent the Misuse of CaringBridge for Spam

* Complete the box below to help us prevent the misuse of CaringBridge for spam.

* Complete the question below to help us prevent the misuse of CaringBridge for spam. After you answer the question, copy and paste the code you receive into the text box below.

If you have problems completing the reCAPTCHA, our Customer Care team will be happy to help you.

Your information is never shared or sold in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Newest Update

April 20, 2021

Post a Comment

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Keep In Touch

Help Us Prevent the Misuse of CaringBridge for Spam

Newest Update

Post a Comment

Invite friends and family to visit the site

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Keep In Touch

Help Us Prevent the Misuse of CaringBridge for Spam