It’s difficult to grasp. By tomorrow, Ryan will miss his second Superbowl. Sure, we’ll have the game on and I know who Ryan would be rooting for (or, more accurately, rooting against), but it’s just not the same. I’ll be pulling for the team my son would want to win.
I’m certainly not going to divulge which team we want to see kissing the Lombardi Trophy. The simple fact is, these are two franchises with history, tradition, and the best fan bases in the country. As a Redskin fan, I deeply envy and admire both these teams. Both have earned the right to play tonight and neither had an easy path to get there.
Ryan’s nutrition is going very well. In fact, today I’ll be adding either wild Atlantic salmon or soy beans. Also, he is transitioning to a different canned food, getting 50% from the Impact 1.5 now. Our hope is to have him completely switched over by this time next week. We are keeping a close eye on his weight. He is a bit too high right now, coming in at 179.3 lbs. We want him around 175 lbs. I remember last year at this time he was a very thin 145 lbs.
We are on the cusp of beginning his new treatment under the IBRF protocol. The laser is being built, the supplements are in the mail, and the most comprehensive blood work panel is pending. This blood work is so specialized that it requires a “Phlebotomist” to perform the draw. We are waiting on this before the doctors will prescribe any new drugs, since these drugs will be quite powerful and require constant monitoring.
We are also jumping through hoops to get Ryan in for a 3T-MRI (a high field resolution MR). This MRI is relatively new technology and only a few places currently have it. Luckily, Loudoun Hospital just brought one on-line a couple of weeks ago. We are hopeful Ryan can have it performed there.
Tomorrow is the 7th. It will mark the 1615-month anniversary of Ryan’s brutal beating by Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May. Through all this sadness, I take comfort in the knowledge that Ryan is neither one of them.
Nutritional foods is a good way to go. SoyBeans for protein is good. Carbs, I”m sure you’ll be careful with since Ryan is not active right now to burn it off. But regarding the superbowl, though you lovely parents and sister don’t know which Superbowl team Ryan would have been routing for, the fact is, he could hear the superbowl game being played on TV, and that in itself, was enough for Ryan.
Your last line on this post gave me chills and tears. That, in itself, tells me what a truly amazing man you are. Just amazing!
I know there are some happy kids in Morgantown today. Maybe Pitt can get upset again tonight by WVU. I am so impressed that you can keep Ryan at such a good weight, that has to be so beneficial. I am looking forward to hearing about all the upcoming test results. We are still here and not going anywhere.
Ken,
I grew up in the Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swann, Franco Harris (who wouldn’t love Franco?) era. Terry throwing ‘the bomb’ and Lynn’s beautiful receptions. How ’bout Franco’s immaculate reception? And the Steel Curtain and Mean Joe Greene. Now, THAT was football!
Needless to say, I’m rooting for the Steelers. 🙂 And for your boy, Ryan.
Wow, I wish I could eat as healthy as Ry does!! xD <3 The combination of diet and constant stretching and exercise is on Ryan's side…and with his involvement in sports he has been so strong and healthy, so I just know all of these factors serve him well <3
After mass this a.m. Brady and I stayed to light 4 candles – one for each of you. Still praying for healing for Ryan and strength for Kari, Sue and Ken. Team Diviney has worked harder to get Ryan where he is today than the Packers and Steeler combined have worked to get to the Super Bowl. You deserve a victory more than anyone.
Hope all goes thru with new treatments they really help Ryan Will continue praying Peace to all ~
This diet and the HBOT, combined with all the physical therapy, attention, communication, medication, superior doctors (Rodriguez/Wiger/Hinkle/IBRF Team), and last but far from least the love and prayers of family and friends, with copious amounts of kisses and compassionate woofs from Duke, have all combined to move Ryan to where he is now. I was amazed at how wonderful Ryan looks! But more than that, you know — this is a wonderful young man — strong, courageous, tenacious and loving. Anyone who spends even five minutes with Ryan will feel the love. Kari & Ryan = two uniquely beautiful kids. I am proud to know them, along with you and Sue. Much love and prayers, Ken — and onward we go.
Amazing that Ryan has put on 30 pounds from being 145 to now 175. That is excellent. Your care and physical therapy is keeping him is good physical shape and he is getting better. God is helping Ryan in this process. Ryan is blessed to have such strong parents supporting him. I pray for both Ryan, and his family. God’s work to-date is evident in my view, and it’s continuing.
Regarding Ryan’s choice for the superbowl, I’m trying to think who he favors since he’s a Redskins fan. Not enough information to have a sense who he’s choosing. I’m picking Pittsburgh.
First of All I Agree I am Glad Ryan is Neither one of those guys! He is Better Than Them! I hope that he can get into get the MRI soon so you guys will find out more. I know that Prayers are going to Ryan and The Family each and everyday and I know we are gonna see a Miracle Im holding onto that! God Bless
I am thinking of you today, Ryan, and hope your team wins! Enjoy the game with your folks and anyone who is coming over to watch the game with you. Still here.
I know you are looking forward to the new treatment and wishing the best on the new regime. And most of all, you are right, so glad Ryan isn’t Vantrease or May. You and Ryan enjoy watching that game, now Salmon or soybeans will be the NEW Superbowl food. Have a great day, here’s hoping next year Ryan will be back to cheering his favorite team on Superbowl Sunday.