Incredible! Simply amazing. Yesterday Ryan’s Rally surpassed 700,000 views. Yes, that’s right… seven-hundred thousand. That’s a seven, with five zeros. You made this website successful beyond anything I ever imagined. Thank you so much.
Thousands upon thousands visit every day to check in on how Ryan is doing. Knowing he touches so many lives takes the edge off me witnessing the battle he faces and conquers each day. I know I am not alone in this tragedy. So many times this has carried me through a rough patch. You celebrate the small victories with me. You cry with me. You feel my pain. I hope I am giving something back to you in return. Even if it’s just a good laugh or two.
I’m sure there are other non-celeberty personal blogs that have achieved this level of readership, but I have yet to find one. Almost certainly not at such a sustained rate. In all fairness, it’s not that I go out scouring the internet to see. Still, it makes me proud that there is so much interest. Ryan remains relevant!
Here are a few facts about the website:
- 0.6% of people viewing a post leave a comment.
- 85 Countries visit the website, with the top three from:
- United States
- Canada
- Ireland
- All 50 states in the USA and every territory visit the website, with the top three from:
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- This blog is read in over 53 languages.
- People come to this site by:
- 45% have direct link (bookmark)
- 30% are referred from another site.
- 25% find it through a search engine
- Purchases through the Store raised $188 in revenue for Ryan (in 3 months).
- 136 orders have been delivered from Ryan’s Wish List.
- The three most read articles are:
- Austin Vantrease Request: Denied (which is also the most commented ever)
- Breaking News: Group Involved in Brutal Attack Sued
- Kari: “I Feel Guilty for Going Out”
There are a ton of other statistics and facts I can garner, but it bores even me…. and I’m easily amused.
Again, thank you. I wish I could find the power in words to express my appreciation. Believe me, I’ve tried. It just comes out sounding silly or flowery. Oftentimes both. Please know how deeply you touch me.
God bless you and your dear family. 700,000! Just so you know–Ryan and you and your family, will ALWAYS be relevant. My husband even asks now, “How is Ryan today?” — and he never asks about anything. I check in on you several times a day now–once just doesn’t seem to be enough…different things come up during each day and i don’t want to miss anything. Still here, still praying. Love u Ryan:)
It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Unfortunately, we (and especially Ken, Sue, and Kari) have witnessed firsthand results of what happens when that fails miserably. Ryan deserves a village, and we are all here for him.
Yes, but it also takes a community to heal a family and we’re doing just that — one step at a time, one day at a time, one meal at a time, one helping hand at a time. Ken, Ryan, Sue and Kari, we’re here for you and we’re not going anywhere. Love & hugs to all of you!
A year ago I was preparing to send my senior to WVU, this is how I found Ryan. I was beside myself over what I had just read, Ryan laid on my mind. Ryan’s tragedy isn’t something you read, Ryan is someone you become vested in. I asked my husband and then my son to read Ryan’s story. As a mother getting ready to send her child to college it was terrifying and I truly second guessed all we were planning. Then I realized, I needed to get over it! If you and your wife could send your sweet daughter off and allow her to live her life what right did I have to even entertain the thought of holding my son back from living his.
What I am most thankful for is that I found Ryan that night. Ryan is Relevant and a Blessing. Thank you for making sure parents like me know the dangers and you are giving us A living document that most importantly educates our families on what’s important in our lives and what(who) we need to be on guard of.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of Ryan’s life and your families lives. Keep up your fight and determination, Ryan is a miracle every day, we love him and are so proud he chose us to be his family when he chose to be a Mountaineer.
I revel in every reaction you get from Ryan. I never know if I’m going to cry or laugh when I check in but, I always know I will feel love when you describe your family and the value that each of you carry for the other is beyond special.
Cassia, what a profound and beautiful message. God Bless You. Love, carla
Ken,
Your post today gave me such a lift. As I have always said, it is an honor to interact with you, Ryan, Sue and Kari, whether it be through this site or in person. My kids automatically say when they see me on the computer, “How’s Ryan doing?”
I would love if all of the people that view the site would take the opportunity to place a link to this site, or make a commitment to share Ryan’s story with three people this week. The more people who get to know your family will help continue to push our numbers up. Much love~ Jen
Wow, Ken. And yes, Ryan is still relevant. Still loved. And still a miracle in process. Please give Sue a hug for me.
Love, Cass
On to 800,000, one day at a time – that’s all we ask from you is one day at a time – just keep telling us about Ryan, what’s the latest……it was so good to read Sue’s post last week, just the little things like Ryan moving his thumbs. That’s encouragement. We will keep Ryan relevant as long as you let us do so. I check everyday and I’ll tell you, I get very nervous if you miss a day. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives.
Ken – We appreciate so much all that you share on this website. We love and pray for you, Sue, Kari and Ryan every day. Thank you for your honesty and humor. Keep up the amazing work – you and Ryan are awesome and inspiring to each of us. xoxo
Still here and thinking of you often.
Been away without a computer for several days. I have to tell you it is hard to go one day without checking on Ryan so several is really hard! Glad to be back and glad nothing major was missed. Can’t imagine my life without checking on Ryan, he will always be relevant to us!
I am very happy. I continue to pray for Ryan. Believe me when I say this he makes a big difference in my day.
How can we not think of Ryan every day and check in to see how he….and all of you are doing? You are all part of our lives and we are not going anywhere without you… so you will just have to get used to it! Come on, smile a little now if you will….
Love, Peggie
I check daily..my husband often ask me what I’m doing on the computer..I tell him “checking on Ryan.” Here today and every day!!
Thinking and praying for your family always.
Good news, Ken. A great big thank you to all those who reply. I wish we would have more of them. I come back here many times during the day and appreciate reading the replies, no matter how short. It gives us a special connection and gives me personally a feeling of hands holding hands, spirits connected, around our Diviney family. Always here with hope, faith, love and prayers.
And, of course, a great big thank you to those who view the blog daily–can’t say enough about you folks! <3
SHSP, always
Ken, With all you’re going through,you certainly do give us many laughs. I can’t believe 700,000 thousand views ,seems like the other day it was 500,000, so great ,..Ryan is very relevant to many many people and I too thanks you for sharing .Will always be here praying for Ryan and you all. Can’t wait to one day meet Ryan. Love Gail
Reading every day and thinking of Ryan!
Wow! Very exciting indeed! And…..an answer to a prayer 🙂 Let me explain. Last night when I was praying, it was all dedicated to Ryan and your family. One of the things I prayed about was keeping Ryan relevant to everyone. Well, 700,000 views tells me….he is.
Thank you Lord, and thank you Ken for letting us into your lives. I agree with Ms. Blase. It is a privilege.
Love/hugs/prayers as always, carla
Amen, Carla!!
Ken, to travel with you along this journey is a tremendous privilege. I thank you, Sue, Kari and Ryan for being so transparent and willing to share the tragedies and triumphs of your life story with us every week. The sincerity and love within each post is evident and a source of inspiration to more people than you’ll ever know. Thank you for being you.