💔 When someone you love gets devastating news from the doctor…
What do you do next?
I wasn’t sure if I’d write this post today. I sat here for hours trying to figure out what to say… but the truth is, my heart is too full… and too broken… not to share this.
This post is for the fighters. For the families holding their breath. For those hearing bad news from the doctor and wondering what now?
How to handle bad news from your Dr? I mean is anyone ever prepared for that?
This is for Ryan…
Meet Ryan: Our Chosen Family
Ryan isn’t just someone we know. He’s family.
He’s the kind of person who walks into a room and lights it up without even trying. His heart is pure gold, and his presence is the kind of quiet comfort that makes you feel safe and seen.
(This is a video my daughter, Nicole, put together of Ryan’s story)
If you’ve ever met someone and instantly known they were special.. you get it. That’s Ryan.
Years ago, he became close with my kids. My daughter Nicole went to college with him and brought him home one day since he was such an amazing guy. The bond with our family and him was immediate…
He and my kiddos were also roommates for a time and they still reminisce about those days.
He’s been part of our holidays, family dinners, photo albums… and yes, when I do stockings at Christmas, Ryan has one.
He’s not “like family.” He is family.
His Battle Began in 2021
Medical information nobody wants…
In August of 2021, Ryan received a medical diagnosis no one should have to hear: an inoperable brain tumor.
What is a brain tumor?
What causes brain tumors?
We had no idea of either…
We dug into tons of medical research at the time trying to find anything that could help him.
We were overwhelmed with all the medical terms being thrown at us.
His medical professionals were scrambling trying to figure out the best option for Ryan… to give him the best chance.
As part of his medical care, he went through radiation, chemo, and a biopsy surgery that left him with a metal plate in the back of his head.
Through it all, he smiled. He fought. He showed up.
I started a GoFundMe campaign back then, and the support we received was such a blessing.
It helped cover some medical costs and gave Ryan a bit of breathing room in the chaos of hospital visits and uncertainty.
For a while, things seemed stable. We dared to hope.
And Then… Everything Changed Again
Recently, Ryan’s symptoms came back… hard and fast. He had an MRI just this week, and when the Dr came in with the medical report… it wasn’t good.
In fact, the tumor is larger now than it was four years ago. It’s aggressive. It’s growing. And it’s threatening the life of someone we cannot imagine losing.
Radiation is too dangerous this time.
Chemo (and steroids) is the only option.
This Isn’t Just a Medical Battle… It’s a Life One
Here’s what many people don’t realize: when someone is fighting cancer, the world doesn’t pause.
The bills don’t stop. The fridge still needs food. The body needs rest still.
Ryan needs help with:
- Medical bills
- Daily living expenses
- Basic necessities while going through chemo
His sweet parents have already endured unthinkable loss… they lost two of their three sons to cystic fibrosis.
Ryan is their only remaining child.
I cannot imagine their pain.
As for me… I feel like I’m unraveling.
I’m not the one with cancer, but it feels like it’s stealing air from my lungs.
I’ve been crying out to God, breathing through grief, and asking… what can I do?
And here’s what I can do:
I Can Write. And I Can Ask For Help.
This blog has always been a quiet little space for me…
Most people don’t even know it exists. But today, it’s time for my words to leave the shadows.
🛑 I’m asking you, 🙏 with everything that’s in me… if you’ve ever been moved by a story, if you believe in miracles (as I believe in miracles)… if you want to help someone who’s truly worth fighting for… please consider donating to Ryan’s GoFundMe campaign…
And please 🙏 Pray for Ryan and share this page…
No amount is too small. (even $1)
Every share, every prayer, every dollar counts.
And most of all, your kindness helps us carry the weight we weren’t meant to bear alone.
🛎️ Some People Miss This With Gofundme Campaigns
So you’re aware: When you go to make a donation, you may notice a “tip” added to support the GoFundMe platform (above their fees). It’s automatically set to 18.5%, but you can adjust it… or turn it off… if you’d rather ALL your donation go directly to Ryan.
If you do want to support GoFundMe, that’s totally fine! But if your heart is to have every penny go toward helping Ryan, just slide that little toggle to zero before submitting.
Thank you for every bit of support… it truly means the world to us. 💙
This is one of my favorite photos of me and my kiddos… including Ryan.
The Boy Who Built My Kitchen… and Built Our Hearts
When I look around my home, I see Ryan everywhere.
He literally built our kitchen cabinets and pantry with his own two hands.
He’s installed baseboards throughout our house, sheltered with us during hurricanes, and been in more selfies with us than I can count.
He’s laughed with us, cried with us, served with us, and stayed close… no matter what.
I believe with my whole heart that this world still needs Ryan.
How to Handle Bad News From Your Dr…
…When it shakes your world…
I know I’m not the only one walking through something hard right now. Maybe you’re in the thick of it too. Maybe someone you love just got a diagnosis that knocked the wind out of you.
I don’t know if this is the right way to handle it, but here’s what I’ve learned:
- Feel it. Cry, grieve, and even scream if you need to.
- Talk to God. Even if you don’t have words.
- Do what you can. Write. Pray. Love. Ask for help.
- And then trust… even in this.
If You’ve Ever Faced Bad News, You’re Not Alone
The weight of the world can feel unbearable some days. But we are never walking through it alone.
God sees us. He sees Ryan. And even when it hurts so bad we can’t breathe, He’s still holding us.
I believe what matters most in life are… God and people… especially those we hold dear.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for praying.
Thank you for being the kind of person who shows up when it matters.
👉 👉 Ryan’s GoFundMe Link again…
With love, heartbreak and hope…
Until next time…