Ryan’s Knee Surgery & Recovery

As you may (or may not) have heard, our friend Ryan Cochran has been trying to repair his knee, stemming from an injury that started in his childhood. He has already undergone one surgery (Arthroscopy), and unfortunately his doctor is advising that another, more extensive surgery is required to keep his original knee in tact. Without the surgery, he is facing total knee failure within a few months and likely a knee replacement, which would permanently alter his activity and lifestyle. He is receiving a cartilage transplant (Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation) from an organ donor to replace a very size-able amount of damaged/missing cartilage. He is scheduled to undergo the procedure on Thursday, May 16.

The surgery and recovery process will be a major interruption in his life, as he will be required to take off of work for 3 whole months in order to heal. As you can imagine, 3 months without regular income is extremely difficult for anyone; but we are encouraged by Ryan’s friendship, generous spirit, and his service to the LGBTQ community for 14 years, that we can all support Ryan during this journey.

Ryan is a life-long athlete and was a competitive swimmer for 13 years. He retired in 2005 as captain of the Division 1 LSU Swim & Dive team on a full scholarship. Physical fitness has been part of his daily routine since he was 9 years old, and he remains passionate and very active with physical/mental fitness.

Anyone who knows Ryan will tell you that he is intelligent, hard-working, a stellar bartender with a regular following, and has a heart of gold. He will have to adapt to life without work, socialization, and limited physical activity for an extensive period of time, which is a challenge I hope many of us never have to encounter.

We are reaching out to the community to humbly request that you contribute what you can to assist Ryan during the difficult journey ahead of him. He is anticipating extensive medical bills and loss of income for 3 months, in addition to the mental and physical toll his recovery will require.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Ryan’s current situation. Although the surgery recovery will be extensive, we are hopeful that you all can find it in your hearts to contribute support for the situation ahead. Any donation is immensely appreciated, as well as any outreach you can do individually to crowdsource support for our friend, Ryan.

Sincerely, Sean

-Friend & fellow bartender at our beloved Elmo Restaurant