by Kaete Nazaroff, Ride to Give
There are some causes that haunt me. Of course I care deeply about all the families we help, but some get stuck in my mind and I think of them throughout the day as often as I think of my own children. I find myself looking at my phone in the middle of the night when I get up to change my son, just to make sure nothing horrible has happened since I last checked their updates. It was like that with Tripp Halstead, and the fire that started in my heart after reading Stacy’s posts is what led me to convince Dave to ride to Georgia. From that, the Ride to Give was born.
I had that same gut feeling when I read Ken Diviney’s blog. Ken is the father of Ryan Diviney, who at 20 suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was sucker punched, then kicked in the head near the campus of West Virginia University. For 4 years Ken has cared for Ryan night and day, while he remains in a vegetative state, or “open eyes” coma. Some of you remember I’ve mentioned Ken’s blog on our page before. The writing is so loving and heartfelt, sometimes humorous, and sometimes so tragic it makes my stomach swim. Ryan was so beautiful, a light to his family, with the whole world in front of him. How could this happen? Why? Just like the freak tree branch that injured Tripp, this random act of violence came out of nowhere, and could happen to any of us, or our kids, at any time.
![[via Ride to Give]](https://i0.wp.com/ryansrally.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ride-to-give.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
[via Ride to Give, by permission of Ryan’s Rally]
Ryan’s dad, Ken, has chosen to not leave his son’s side. He has chosen to be his full-time care giver, and it is a hell of a job. No matter how hopeful he is that Ryan’s condition might change, I know the daily reality and exhaustion has to roll over him sometimes like a huge crashing wave. But he can’t drown. He must keep going…for Ryan.
I believe in God, and I believe he has a plan for us all. But this one stumps me, and I find myself dwelling on “why did this happen?”
Well now I’m saying, “What can we do?”
Please help us ease the Diviney family’s burden at least financially. We can’t do much more than pray, and give what we can to take away some worry, at least for a while. Ryan’s family spends at least $11,000 a year on items for Ryan’s care that are not covered or obtained by insurance, and we want to help with that. Thank you for your contribution!
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Same man who helped Tripp down here in Atlanta!? I love this! =) Sharing immediately.
Good morning Ryan and family, I have spent the last hour or so getting to know Ryan and his fight for life! My heart is heavy and my eyes are full reading Ryan’s story! This just saddens me that there are “animals” (people)in the world that are so cruel and heartless amongst us! Ryan and the whole family are in my prayers and with God and the RTG Army standing beside, behind, in front of, and next to Ryan and the family, may you feel the love, support, strength, and comfort that you will receive from us all! Although you will never meet the majority of the RTGA, we the Army will continue to support, pray, think, and comfort you and make you know your not alone and hopefully give you all the support, strength, and comfort you in your journey helping Ryan get better! God bless you all!
I have just spent two hours getting to ‘know’ Ryan and his family. What a horrific tragedy. I will keep him relevant in my prayers and by sharing his story with my children. I have 5. A son who is 18, two daughters 13 & 12, and two more sons 6 & 19mo. Through education, I hope things like this can be avoided. I’m so sorry this happened to Ryan. He seemed like such a bright soul and I will pray he returns to being that light of your (and others) life. He will continue to be relevant as parents like me share his story with our children and talk about what they can do when arguments arise. My heart breaks for what you all have endured and what you continue to endure. Again, my prayers are with you. Much love and hugs from Southern California. Found you through my army friends at RTG ☺
I am do excited that RTG choose Ryan! They do awesome work!
Yay !!!! Ride To Give , so awesome <3
With all my heart, thank you for being the caring and loving people that you are . I don’t understand why this happened either, but I’ll never stop believing in the awesome power of God to use people to do wonderful things!!
Team Diviney has always stood up for their boy, Ryan, and I believe they will step up to support this fantastic fundraiser for him. I am filled with gratitude for your hard work and efforts to help the Diviney family.
Blessings & love
Paula
Donation link is here too: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/8ge1b/ab/61Edl0
http://www.ridetogive.com/#!our-causes/cmu
Here is link to donate 🙂
Way to go RTGA! Let’s do this!
So Awesome!!!
My son Corey had a terrible car accident in 2006. He had a severe TBI , blood clot on his brain, amoung other things. He was in a coma as well as a vegetated state. I left my job at WVU to take care of my son. I know the financial burden of caring 24/7, as well as the emotional strain. I’m very thankful my son has progressed. He will always need 24/7 but has made amazing progress. I am now an advocate in WV for TBI survivors and their families. I try to help with resources.I find there is little help out there. I have had survivors get in touch with me in different states and I find those states as well have very little resources. I’m so glad to see that Ride to G
ive is helping Ryan and his family. God Bless you.
This is absolutely awesome!