At ConKerr Cancer, we are inspired by many, many people. 

• By the brave children we serve as they battle cancer, terrible injuries and other life changing illnesses;
• By the loving parents, families and friends who, despite their feelings of helplessness, care for these special children with every ounce of their strength;
• By the amazing nurses, doctors and caregivers who work so hard to heal the children and their families – body, soul and spirit; and,
• By our thousands of volunteers who give so selflessly of themselves to put a smile on a sick child’s face.

It’s hard not to be inspired but such an exceptional group of people, all working to make a sick child’s life just a bit brighter.  We feel very blessed to share this work with all of you.

Ryan was a most remarkable young man.  Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 12, his life was forever transformed.  Over six years he fought through 5 recurrences  of his cancer, 30 months of chemotherapy, 15 surgeries (including the amputation of his right leg), over 150 days of physical therapy and two broken bones in his healthy foot.  Despite all of that, Ryan never let it slow him down! 

Ryan loved adventures – big and small.  He loved to go new places, to do new things and to launch off anything with a drop –a half pipe, a ski jump or a railing.  Skiing with him was both a joy and sheer terror.  He was constantly darting in and out of the woods, flying off the nearest bump and speeding down the hill with an incredible grace and aggressiveness.  He always wanted to challenge himself with something new – rock climbing, scuba diving, cycling - you name it, he wanted to do it. 

Ryan’s courage is nearly legend.  His friends were constantly amazed by his adventures and how he would finish chemo one day and ski the next.  Few people will ever understand how difficult it was for Ryan to just put on his leg and go through a normal day of school. He was always exhausted and was in pain much of the time.  But he would never show it so that he could be with his friends and be in school where he loved to do his photography, hang with his friends and be a part of class discussions.

As a student, he was so curious, so engaging and so kind that he stole his teacher’s hearts.   He missed countless days of school yet somehow still managed to keep up with his school work and graduate from high school.  Ryan never wanted to be known at the school as the cancer kid or as an inspiration. He wanted to just be Ryan, fitting in with all the other students, no special treatment – except of course, he loved the perks of the elevator key and the great parking spot!