Help Ryan Alto Fight Rare Brain Disease & Get Life-S

Update - February 10th

From Jennifer Alto

It has taken me all day to gather my emotions and thoughts to write a post. How do you thank people for this tremendous gift? I am in shock and spent most of the morning crying by Ryan’s bedside. He kept saying “hi, how are you?” Over and over and each time I would cry more. I tried to explain to him that this was all going to be better soon and he will be getting the help he needs. I am not sure he understands but he would flash that sheepish smile and ask how I was once again. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this could happen or that we were deserving of so many friends, families and strangers donations. Ryan, Lexie, Nathan and I are truly blessed. Not only is his flight covered but the extra funds allow a cusion for if Blue shield decides he is done with rehab. Now, I can extend the stay if needed. From the beginning I have been praying for a rehab that understands Ryan’s diagnosis and now we found one right when I was beginning to give up hope. And thanks to all your kindness, generosity and prayers we will be packing our parkas and hopefully getting out of here soon. I love you all so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

Update - February 9th

You guys are absolutely 100% PHENOMENAL!! Thank you so much for supporting the Alto Family!

We are incredibly grateful for all of your generous contributions to Ryan’s GoFundMe campaign. We have reached the necessary funds to fly Ryan to Chicago for his treatment!!

We know, however, there’s still more to be done! We will be keeping the GoFundMe open to help cover the costs of essential at-home medical services needed once he returns.

Your continued support means the world to us. Thank you for helping us make this next step possible!

With gratitude,

The Alto Family

Hi! My name is Kelly Helms, and I have known the Altos since our daughters went to preschool together. The Altos need our help!

Jen’s Story:

On October 7th, 2024, my 48-year-old husband, Ryan Alto, started feeling unwell. After a week of his condition worsening, I convinced him to go to the ER. Little did we know, that decision would change our lives forever. Ryan drove himself to the hospital, but within hours, he was admitted—hallucinating, confused, and unable to recognize even basic details like his name or birthday.

In the following days, Ryan’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Within 5 days, he lost his ability to recognize those around him, and then the seizures began. The worst was yet to come: during one of his seizures, Ryan’s heart stopped right before my eyes. Miraculously, they revived him, but doctors still couldn’t figure out what was causing all of this.

On October 13th, less than a week from his initial visit to the ER, Ryan was airlifted to UCSF Medical Center, where after two long weeks of tests, we finally received a diagnosis: Anti-NMDA Encephalitis, a rare and deadly brain disease known as "Brain on Fire." It’s so rare that the chances of contracting it are 1 in 1.6 million. The disease causes the body to attack the brain, and as a result, Ryan’s brain function began to shut down.

Ryan was in a coma for 8 weeks, and during that time, we feared the worst. But slowly, he began to wake up. Though he couldn’t speak due to a tracheotomy, I could tell he was still in there—his eyes told me he was fighting. Now, almost 19 weeks later, Ryan is still in the hospital. His brain is recovering, but it’s a long and grueling process. He can’t walk, stand, or even lift his arms. His mind is in a fragile state, often confused and disoriented. At times, he doesn’t recognize friends and family, and the simplest things—like a stuffed dog—seem real to him.

Recent studies suggest his recovery could take anywhere from 6 months to a year—or even longer. But we know Ryan can make it, with the right care and therapy. We’ve been trying to get him the specialized rehabilitation he needs, but St. Joseph’s Hospital lacks the necessary resources to provide the intense therapy required for his recovery. After countless rejections from other facilities, we received the life-changing news that Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago—one of the best rehabilitation centers in the world—has accepted Ryan for treatment.

The only hurdle standing in our way is the cost of the medical flight back home to Arcata from Chicago, which is $45,543.95. This cost must be paid in full before Ryan can be transferred. Unfortunately, this is far beyond our means, and we are terrified of losing this precious opportunity for him to get the care he needs.

While we continue to fight for Ryan’s recovery, we are also preparing for long-term home care when he is able to leave the hospital. My children, Lexi and Nathan, are desperate to have their dad back, and I need my husband here with me. Your support—whether through a donation or simply sharing this page—means everything to us.

We are incredibly grateful for everything everyone has done so far, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring us one step closer to bringing Ryan home and giving him the future he deserves.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Alto Family