Just one year ago, we sent an update that introduced Atlanta to Ryan’s
cancer diagnosis. We felt strongly about being transparent throughout
our journey. Like we said last January, some of you have become dear
friends over the years, some of you we’re just getting to know and the
rest of you are friends we have not met yet.
Over the last 12 months, our updates shifted from Ryan’s cancer progress to the news that
Staplehouse was still alive, to the development of
The Giving Kitchen, a non-profit born out of selflessness, and a legacy that will live on much after we are all gone.
It is now my duty to keep our promise of transparency open to you all –
our friends. After a long fought battle, this is where we stand in our
war.
Three weeks ago, we left our cancer treatment center for the last time
and actively made the decision to start home hospice care. Nothing more
medically could be done to keep Ryan here. After one full year of
fighting… winning only a couple small (medical) battles, our war was
coming to an end. The cancer retreated in a major way back in June, but
since then, bullied its way back through Ryan’s body until (early
December) it had engulfed his entire liver and spread all over his
lungs, thus making it impossible to treat.
This is what is important to understand today.
- Ryan's liver is failing.
- He is struggling physically but in a good place mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
- No one knows how much time his body will hang on.
- We have surrounded ourselves with close family in the comfort of our home.
- Ryan chooses Starbursts over apples these days, and they bring him tremendous joy.
- "Mt. Everest" for him was one last dash to Taco Mac and a bite of a chicken wing.
- Ryan has no resentment -- only appreciation and deep gratitude for
the army of people who have stepped up to help us this past year.
- Ryan wants and will want everyone to celebrate him. Celebrate your
own life. Celebrate your loved ones. Live your life. Truly live it. He
would be devastated if you allowed his death to bring you down and into a
place not full of light and love. I mean this.
- If given a time machine, he would not go back.
- The past year was the hardest yet most remarkable of our lifetime.
- "This is just part of my journey" is what came out of his mouth just recently.
- We want and need our space right now.
- We truly love all you so much but Ryan is not physically capable to
say goodbye to everyone in person therefore, no visitors please.
With spirit and determination, we move forward excited about the future of what
Staplehouse will bring… with our partnership with
The Giving Kitchen... the mission continues.
Please join in celebrating the legacy that Ryan created at
Team Hidi 2.0 benefiting The Giving Kitchen.
