My name is Ryan, and I’m a 35-year-old Honorary Hero for Blood Cancer United. In October 2023, my life was turned upside down in a matter of moments. What started as a typical day quickly spiraled into a nightmare when I was rushed to the ER in critical condition. I was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and given less than two weeks to live unless I began immediate treatment. As a survivor of stage 4 melanoma cancer, facing the prospect of blood cancer was beyond terrifying; it was unimaginable.
To make matters even more overwhelming, this wasn’t the first time leukemia had touched my life. My younger brother had battled ALL as a teenager, and watching him fight for his life years ago had already left a permanent scar on my heart. The idea of now facing the same devastating disease was almost too much to bear. To add to the challenge, I had only been married to my incredible wife Jenna for less than a year. The weight of it all was crushing.
My journey became a test of perseverance, willpower, and unwavering determination. I knew I had to fight, not just for myself, but for my family, my friends, and for everyone who had ever supported me. Over the course of the next 12 months, I endured trials I never could have imagined. I spent over 145 nights in the hospital and had 87 outpatient clinic appointments. I received 92 blood transfusions, underwent six grueling cycles of chemotherapy, and endured 12 spinal chemotherapy sessions to protect my central nervous system from the disease.
In January 2024, I received a bone marrow transplant, a critical procedure that offered me a second chance at life. However, the transplant from an anonymous donor came with its own set of extreme challenges. I faced three emergency heart surgeries, a temporary feeding tube, and several severe, life-threatening complications post-transplant, including but not limited to veno-occlusive disease, cardiac tamponade, severe liver damage, kidney damage, and graft-versus-host (GVHD) disease.
Every day felt like a battle, but I was determined to survive. Through it all, I was not alone. I was surrounded by an incredible network of friends, family, medical professionals, and even strangers whose kindness and support became a lifeline. A pivotal moment in my journey came earlier this year when I learned the identity of my anonymous bone marrow donor. To know that a stranger selflessly chose to give me the gift of life is something I will cherish forever. My second chance at life came from someone I may never meet in person, but whose act of generosity will always be part of my story. That donor gave me the most precious gift of all — hope.
The Blood Cancer United community has been invaluable, connecting me and my wife to resources and providing encouragement and connections to others fighting similar battles.
You can be part of this amazing community for blood cancer patients through your participation and support of Light The Night (LTN) and our team, Ramsey Warriors. Funds raised through LTN allow Blood Cancer United to fund treatments for patients like me who have suffered from all forms of blood cancer.
Today, I hold my head up high knowing that I’m in remission. I’ll forever be grateful for the staff at HonorHealth, especially my Bone Marrow Transplant family, who stood by me every step of the way and never gave up on me, even when things seemed darkest. With each setback I’ve had, I have learned to push harder, knowing that every obstacle is just another part of this journey. It hasn’t been easy, and there were days I thought about giving up, but the love and strength of my beautiful wife, family, friends, and the broader Blood Cancer United community pulled me through.
As an Honorary Hero for Blood Cancer United, I feel an immense sense of gratitude and responsibility. I now carry the strength of my community with me, and every day I want to work to give back in ways big and small. My journey has been long and filled with pain, but it has also been filled with profound moments of joy, love, and triumph. I stand here today not just as a survivor but as someone who is committed to helping others fight their own battles. This fight is not over, but I’m here because of the generosity of others, and now I’m proud to stand alongside the Blood Cancer United community in spreading awareness, raising funds, and offering hope.
To my donor, Shelby, to my incredible doctors and nurses, and to all the supporters who’ve been with me along the way — thank you. You’ve given me more than a second chance at life; you’ve given me the ability to keep fighting and to help others do the same. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are stronger than any challenge that comes our way.
Ryan
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
