Supporting Ryan's Beautiful Heart

As some of you may know, Nicole's son Ryan was born with a rare heart condition that required surgeries, medical care, and pure determination to survive when he was brought into the world. Ryan has bravely faced more hardships in his 11 short years than many of us will face in a lifetime. Despite the incredible health battles he's endured, Ryan is a gentle old soul who brings so much beauty and light to all that know him.

I am very sorry to share that Ryan's health journey is not over. During the past few months, Ryan's heart has started to fail. He requires another specialized surgery at Duke. And even though Ryan adamantly opposed any surgery before completing hockey season (he is related to Nicole!), his open-heart surgery is scheduled to occur as soon as he is healthy enough to endure it. This means weeks of care in the hospital and dozens of specialists all fighting with Ryan, Nicole, and their family.  

I wish we could take this burden away from Ryan. Unfortunately, we don't have that power. But, we can help with the stunning medical bills left over after insurance. Please join me in supporting the family with any sized donation you may be able to give and a note to Ryan to help him brave this chapter of his journey.