Dear Family & Friends
When Ryan was first diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor on Monday, October 14th, 2002, we were devastated beyond belief. How could our cheerful, athletic, handsome, 23 year old brother be diagnosed with brain cancer and given a grim outlook to survive? It didn't seem possible and certainly not fair, but it was real. Over the next two years, Ryan underwent four brain surgeries, daily radiation, a year of chemotherapy, weeks of antibiotics, and constant trips into Mass General, but he survived. Through it all, we watched as he cried with pain, endured disfigurement, and struggled to maintain a sense of normalcy in his life.
Over the next six years, Ryan remained healthy, and in a state of remission, if there is such a thing. Unfortunately, life dealt him another cruel blow when he started having seizure symptoms in December of 2008. An MRI revealed our worst fears; his brain tumor had grown back. This time the tumor was accompanied by symptoms, which were not only frightening, but made Ryan's life unstable and unpredictable. Ryan's most recent surgery has left him with lingering symptoms, making it difficult to return to his normal activities, including his job. He now is the father of a beautiful nine month old son Cole. And although parts of his life are beautiful, he struggles each day to control his seizure symptoms, stay afloat financially, and remain optimistic about his future.
On Friday June 11, 2010, we will be holding a benefit to raise funds to help with Ryan's growing medical bills and other living expenses. The benefit will be held at St. Michaels Hall in Lynn from 7:00 pm to midnight. The evening will include entertainment, provided by MC Jamie Kelley, various food items and refreshments provided by Santoro's and Wrapini's, raffles, and a silent auction. Tickets are $20.00 each and will be available at the door or by contacting us (see contact information below.)
Please join us on June 11th, and help make this night a success for Ryan and his family. In addition, you could also help by donating a raffle item for the silent auction, donating any other type of food or beverage item, or making a monetary donation. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated! All proceeds from the benefit will go directly into a trust fund we have named, "Rally for Ryan."
For more information about the benefit, or how to make a donation, please contact:
Jon and Keri Lynch Sean Andrews
5 Hugh Terrace RallyforRyan2010@gmail.com
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 535-5105 - home
(978) 729-5348 - cell
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Sean Andrews
Jon and Keri Lynch
