Ryan’s Story

When Ryan was born on March 4, 2004 a ladybug sat watching over her on her hospital door… a symbol of delight. Ryan was such a sweet and happy little girl from the moment she was born. There was never a morning where she didn’t wake up with a big smile on her face and a giggle in her voice. She was always so pleasant and playful and stole your heart with the slightest of glances. Each time you were in her presence, she would make you feel so needed and loved.

Learning was her biggest joy. She had an ability to remember the smallest of details and spoke with an amazing vocabulary. She was always so inquisitive and never accepted an easy or quick answer. Ryan was a diligent observer, always demanding that you wait until she could get the best viewing spot. Helping you do the most boring of chores was just as fun to her as playing in the park. She loved people and just wanted to be surrounded and included at all times. Ryan was a gift like no other and her loss will never be forgotten. The effect she had on so many in just a few short years is a testament to who she was and the beauty that she brought to us all.

Ryan was a healthy, happy three-year old until the last week of her life. After spending the weekend laughing and playing, Ryan spent much of Monday exhibiting signs of exhaustion. On Tuesday exhaustion was joined by fever and nausea, and on Wednesday June 27, 2007 she was seen by her pediatrician and immediately sent to the nearest hospital.

Within a few hours, she was airlifted to Georgetown University Hospital suffering from Acute Liver Failure. The following day she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Her liver never recovered causing severe brain trauma. Just five days in the hospital, Ryan passed away in her Mommy’s arms while Daddy held her hand.