A while ago I met an amazing 13-year old boy named Ryan Cooper during one of my visits as Global Ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Ryan was seriously ill with cancer, what was first diagnosed was he was just four years old.  Most of Ryan’s life was spent going in and out of hospitals for treatment – a frightening proposition for anyone and especially for young people.

You might expect that a boy like Ryan would be terribly angry or sad, but I must tell you nothing could be farther from the truth. Ryan’s enormous spirit could fill a room and his upbeat, outgoing personality made us instant friends. I asked Ryan about his interests and goals and he told me he had written a book for children about his experiences as a cancer patient. 

Ryan said he dreamed one day it would be published and I promised him that indeed he would be a published author.  Now he is.  Ryan’s fantastic book titled “Things That Make You Go Hummm …” (Ryan’s Journey with Cancer), published by Xlibris, is now available on Xlibris.com http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=41174.

Sadly, Ryan lost his battle with cancer soon after we met and my heart broke when I heard the news.  I can tell you that Ryan has a special place in my heart and I cannot think of a more wonderful testament to Ryan’s caring and giving spirit than his wonderful and truly touching book – a lasting gift to us all.

Readers have left 2 comments.

 1. Posted by eftspain on 2008-05-21 13:49:44

Ryan is truly inspirational and the excerpt from his book is wonderful.
My late husband died of cancer and I found something he wrote after his death...'have faith in the future, it belongs to you..'.
Ryan certainly had faith in his future and his faith continues in his book to encourage others in the face of illness and adversity.
What a joyous illustration.
I know of a cancer support forum where I would love to recommend this link?
Sarah, you must have felt priveleged to have met Ryan.
Warmest wishes,
Marie Holliday
EFT-ADV,MAAMET

 

 2. Posted by ryansmom on 2008-05-24 20:53:15

Dearest Sarah,
I THANK YOU SO MUCH WITH ALL OF MY HEART AND ALSO THANK YOU FROM ARE ANGEL RYAN ABOVE, WHO WOULD BE SO TRULY ESTATIC TO KNOW THAT YOU HAVE MADE HIS FINAL WISH COME TRUE!!! YOU ARE TRUELY A WONDERFUL PERSON, YOU ARE AN EARTH ANGEL!!! THANK YOU AGAIN SO VERY, VERY MUCH!!! LOVE YA LOTS.
RYANS MOM

 

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