On April 25, Ryan began experiencing chest pain and drove himself to a local walk-in clinic — an event that would mark the beginning of the biggest fight of his life. It was quickly determined that Ryan was having a heart attack, and he was urgently transported to a hospital in Scarborough for specialized, life-saving care.
Unfortunately, complications arose during the procedure, and Ryan’s condition rapidly worsened. Due to the severity of the situation and the critical state of his heart, the team arranged for a high-risk emergency transfer to Toronto General Hospital — a world-renowned centre for cardiac care. Sedated and placed on life support, Ryan defied the odds and survived the transfer.
At Toronto General, Ryan was placed on ECMO — a critical technology required to save his life. While there were signs of improvement, Ryan developed a life-threatening infection that led to further complications. His kidneys began to fail, requiring dialysis, and a clot caused by his critical illness and medications resulted in severe damage to his left leg. In a devastating turn, his leg had to be amputated to save his life.
Ryan’s wife, Kelly, has been by his side every step of the way. With Ryan in hospital and unable to work, Kelly now carries the full weight of managing life at home as a temporary solo parent to their two young daughters, Brianna and Leah, while also serving as Ryan’s constant support during his recovery.
Ryan is now awake — an incredible milestone in his recovery. He is currently stable but will remain in intensive care for some time to come. Despite the uncertainty of the road ahead, one thing is clear: Ryan’s spirit is unbreakable. Every day, he shows the strength, courage, and determination of someone who refuses to give up. The journey ahead will involve many more battles — but he has shown us all that he will face every challenge with unwavering strength.
This fundraiser is a way to offer some practical support to Ryan and his family during this incredibly difficult time. As you can imagine, the financial toll of a sudden medical crisis can be overwhelming, adding stress to an already impossible situation.
Those who know Ryan know his heart — steady, loyal, and determined. He’s the guy who never misses a moment with his daughters, supports his friends without question, and puts his family first, always. He’s known for his quiet strength, his playful sense of humour, and an incredibly strong gag reflex — a not-so-quiet reminder to the neighbourhood that it’s garbage day. Through this fight, Ryan is showing us exactly who he’s always been: strong, devoted, and absolutely unwilling to quit. His greatest motivation now is getting back home to Kelly, Brianna, and Leah — the people who need him most.
If you’re able, please consider making a contribution. Every bit helps and is so deeply appreciated. Thank you for keeping Ryan and his family in your thoughts.
