Raising for Ryder
Donation protected
“Stage four gliblastoma.” The most devastating words a parent can hear.
My name is Rachael, I am writing this on behalf of my cousin Ryder, my Auntie Linda, his identical twin Reno, his sister Alyssa and the Scelza family.
March 2022 Ryder, at 17 years old had his first seizure ever at home. My Aunt and Reno called 911 and he was rushed to CCMC In Hartford. After a CT scan and multiple MRI’s a large mass was found in his brain. He was put in ICU. Ryder, my Aunt and the rest of the family were devastated. 4 days later he had a full craniotomy to remove as much as they could of the mass. After testing it came back hi grade Glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. Radiation followed along with many hospital stays, seizures, and ER visits.
Then, a short 4 months later there was a reoccurrence which we were told was in operable. “You have weeks left with Ryder.” That was not acceptable to my Auntie, she was determined to find a surgeon or do it herself. She called every hospital in and out of this country for answers doing anything she could to save her son. She spoke with several people in and out of this county, and she found a doctor who was confident that she could remove what was left of the tumor… and she DID.
Ryder’s second surgery was October 2022. My Auntie also found a product that builds Ryders immune system - it’s amazing. Ryder started his supplement, which insurance won’t cover, but we all know it is helping save his life. Ryder has had 8 months of clear scans, remission is what they said. Until July 2023. Ryder wasn’t feeling well so off the E.R. They did a scan and what they thought was a sign of a small stroke turned out to be another tumor. Devastated to hear the words “IT’S BACK” but now on the other side of his brain. Only 1% of Glioblastoma does this, it’s extremely rare.
On July 20th he underwent his THIRD CRANIOTOMY. This surgery was a success. She removed what she could see of the tumor. Although this surgery was a success, it left Ryder with with some side effects of left side numbness and weakness, and his speech is now impaired. Could you imagine looking at your child with constant fear that this thing is growing back, or wondering the thoughts running through their mind, having such a devastating diagnosis. No one should ever have to hear “incurable brain cancer” let alone a 19 year old boy with his whole life to live.
Ryder is the sweetest, most thoughtful, loving kid I know, at 19 years old going through this is unimaginable. His main concern is not himself, but his mother and family. He’s so worried how she’s going to continue to care for him without working. There’s a long road ahead of him, his mother, identical twin Reno, and his family will be right by his side as they have since day one. Over the past 6 weeks he’s undergone his second round of daily radiation and started his first round of daily chemo.
A few nights ago Ryder had anxiety over this growing back - so off to the ER they went. After 13 hours of waiting his scan showed bo reoccurrences and looked good. Ryder was relieved!
Anyone who knows Linda knows she’s the most selfless person any of us know. She will help someone in need even if she’s in no position to do so. She will find a way. Ryder, Reno, and Linda need your help and support more than ever. She hasn’t worked in 18 months and has been the SOLE caretaker and provider to Reno and Ryder. Ryder loves to spend time with his family on various adventures, beach trips, local weekend getaways and mini vacations. Please help them continue to build more amazing memories and enjoy life. Any amount will help and go directly to helping with medical expenses, cost of daily living, and any extra to build memories. Ryder loves to travel and his dream is to see Paris. Don’t know if we can make that happen but let’s help relive this family of any financial burden they may have during this horrific time! Please share this! This family is amazing. Thank you for your support, please continue to pray for Ryder and the Scelza family! WE GOT THIS! #SCELZASTRONG143
My name is Rachael, I am writing this on behalf of my cousin Ryder, my Auntie Linda, his identical twin Reno, his sister Alyssa and the Scelza family.
March 2022 Ryder, at 17 years old had his first seizure ever at home. My Aunt and Reno called 911 and he was rushed to CCMC In Hartford. After a CT scan and multiple MRI’s a large mass was found in his brain. He was put in ICU. Ryder, my Aunt and the rest of the family were devastated. 4 days later he had a full craniotomy to remove as much as they could of the mass. After testing it came back hi grade Glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. Radiation followed along with many hospital stays, seizures, and ER visits.
Then, a short 4 months later there was a reoccurrence which we were told was in operable. “You have weeks left with Ryder.” That was not acceptable to my Auntie, she was determined to find a surgeon or do it herself. She called every hospital in and out of this country for answers doing anything she could to save her son. She spoke with several people in and out of this county, and she found a doctor who was confident that she could remove what was left of the tumor… and she DID.
Ryder’s second surgery was October 2022. My Auntie also found a product that builds Ryders immune system - it’s amazing. Ryder started his supplement, which insurance won’t cover, but we all know it is helping save his life. Ryder has had 8 months of clear scans, remission is what they said. Until July 2023. Ryder wasn’t feeling well so off the E.R. They did a scan and what they thought was a sign of a small stroke turned out to be another tumor. Devastated to hear the words “IT’S BACK” but now on the other side of his brain. Only 1% of Glioblastoma does this, it’s extremely rare.
On July 20th he underwent his THIRD CRANIOTOMY. This surgery was a success. She removed what she could see of the tumor. Although this surgery was a success, it left Ryder with with some side effects of left side numbness and weakness, and his speech is now impaired. Could you imagine looking at your child with constant fear that this thing is growing back, or wondering the thoughts running through their mind, having such a devastating diagnosis. No one should ever have to hear “incurable brain cancer” let alone a 19 year old boy with his whole life to live.
Ryder is the sweetest, most thoughtful, loving kid I know, at 19 years old going through this is unimaginable. His main concern is not himself, but his mother and family. He’s so worried how she’s going to continue to care for him without working. There’s a long road ahead of him, his mother, identical twin Reno, and his family will be right by his side as they have since day one. Over the past 6 weeks he’s undergone his second round of daily radiation and started his first round of daily chemo.
A few nights ago Ryder had anxiety over this growing back - so off to the ER they went. After 13 hours of waiting his scan showed bo reoccurrences and looked good. Ryder was relieved!
Anyone who knows Linda knows she’s the most selfless person any of us know. She will help someone in need even if she’s in no position to do so. She will find a way. Ryder, Reno, and Linda need your help and support more than ever. She hasn’t worked in 18 months and has been the SOLE caretaker and provider to Reno and Ryder. Ryder loves to spend time with his family on various adventures, beach trips, local weekend getaways and mini vacations. Please help them continue to build more amazing memories and enjoy life. Any amount will help and go directly to helping with medical expenses, cost of daily living, and any extra to build memories. Ryder loves to travel and his dream is to see Paris. Don’t know if we can make that happen but let’s help relive this family of any financial burden they may have during this horrific time! Please share this! This family is amazing. Thank you for your support, please continue to pray for Ryder and the Scelza family! WE GOT THIS! #SCELZASTRONG143
Organizer and beneficiary
Rachael Cocco
Organizer
Rocky Hill, CT
Linda Scelza
Beneficiary