Yesterday evening it was determined that Ryan was not recovering as expected. His kidneys and bladder were in distress and on the brink of catastrophic failure. Surgery was the only option and Ryan was given priority to be taken to the operating room. In fact, he was the first one in at seven o’clock this morning.
The procedure, in itself, is not risky. Essentially, a hole will be made through his abdomen and directly into his bladder. A tube (catheter) will be inserted that will drain his urine; called a Suprapubic Catheter (or SPC, for short). After initial placement today it will need to be replaced monthly and demands persistent hygiene care (irrigation flushes every other day, topical site care, and so on).
For Ryan, sadly, this will be permanent.
As I am writing this Sue and I are sitting in the Surgery Waiting Room. The surgeon just came out to tell us that everything went as planned and Ryan will be in recovery for about an hour. Afterward, he’ll be taken back up to his room to stay until he is well enough to return home… likely a minimum of 2 days, but that’s just an educated guess on my part.
Your support throughout Ryan’s latest struggle has held me up and, by extension, Ryan as well. Please know there were (so damned many) times I could feel my strength and will begin to falter, but I leaned on you. I found comfort in your comments on social media. Truth is, I keep Ryan’s Facebook Fan Page constantly open, reading each out loud to Ryan as they popped up.
I simply can never thank you enough.
I’ve said this often — especially over the past several days— but I can’t say it enough… thank you for keeping Ryan relevant. It carries the highest importance for him (and me). Thank you for supporting the documentary, Storming: The Ryan Diviney Story, being produced about him by watching the film’s promotional trailer. Above even this, thank you for SHARING the footage! If you haven’t watched it already, please take a moment of time. Share it to your social media directly from the trailer’s website (it’s as easy as a mouse-click to share to Facebook and/or Twitter). If you have already, thank you, but I’m asking you to do it again. Your help in publicizing (i.e., sharing) this film’s production will #KeepRyanRelevant indefinitely. Let’s get the word out to the world!
Here’s the direct link to the film’s website: Storming: The Ryan Diviney Story
With all that is happening — my family’s world in chaos — I promise all of you caring people that I will keep you up-to-date on Ryan’s (hopeful) recovery. I need you. I never want to lose all you’ve given to Ryan and my family. Words fall short of what it means it us.
Without you we never would have made it this far.
All my love, Ken
Still here, Ryan, and still praying.
Thank you for the update, Ken. We’ll continue to share the link for the documentary for sure. I am counting on and expecting all of Team Diviney to rally together for our Ryan just as they always have. One thing I know about Ryan, there are so many of us who care deeply about him and will do whatever we can to help. Team Diviney always comes through!! Prayers for healing, comfort and peace.Sending love & hugs to you, Sue, Ryan & Kari.
Prayers to Ryan and you all for his speedy and uneventful recovery. So glad the fundraiser for the video is going well; hope the trend continues. Stay warm I hear next week will be getting colder again.
Ken our prayers go out to all of your family especially Ryan. Karen and Bob Burnett
I’m so sorry – hope he is recovering well and that you all are taking care of yourselves as well. You guys are incredible….sending prayers up for your family.
Oh Ken, I can’t find words! Sigh….. You, Ryan, Sue and Kari are the most incredible example of love, in good times and in bad. All our love and prayers, Mary Mitchell and family
To Ryan and his family,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers for 9+ years. Sometimes I have faltered wondering ‘why’ but God has reassured me that He is in control and has Ryan in His arms. Tonight I pray for peace and complete restoration. Rest.
Julie Lane
I lived in Preston County WV when I heard what had happened to Ryan and how cruel this was and it should never have happened to begin with! Those cruel boys should have to look at two pictures all day long….the before Ryan and the now Ryan! What these young guys did was horrific and what they got is nowhere close to what they deserve! They will meet their maker one day! Ryan and your family and his friends have been in our prayers and Faith Matters, so never lose hope or faith! My hearts breaks for all of you and everything that you and Ryan have endured over these years! Keep the hard work up Ryan, we all are rooting for you and praying for you! Show these bullies that they can’t keep a good guy down! With Jesus and your family and friends and all the prayers from everyone, including strangers like myself, you’ve got this buddy! Sending so many prayers and love from Maryland! God bless you and Yours Always! Tammy Wilson
Ken, Your love for Ryan and for your family is so deep and true. This film will not only keep Ryan relevant but will be a living testimony to strength and determination. I thought about your dream, if Ryan wants to die then he will. He will quit trying, It seems to me he continues to fight for life. He will let you know when he’s done. Hope and love to you and. your family
Big hugs for Ryan! So sorry to hear about this. As a parent myself, my heart aches for his recovery. I have followed his story for years and still hold onto hope that he will regain some of what he (and all of you) has lost. The constant level of care you all have provided him is inspirational. I applaud you Ken, for being so open and sharing the intimate details of your lives. I look forward to seeing the film and hope it sparks a huge outcry for tougher/appropiate laws for those responsible for damaging the life of another person and family like this. Many positive thoughts and prayers from me to all of you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sincerely, Christine
Always here, always praying, and always available should you need anything!
All the Madigan’s send a big hug and prayers for Ryan to be home soon
I am hoping and praying that Ryan will recover well from this emergency and soon be in your good care. Your family has been so involved and on top of his care which is so remarkable to me and I admire your constant care. Eventhough I have not written often, I follow your story and have shared the video trailer too. Thank you for this update.
Continued prayers for you all. Hugs to Ryan ♡♡♡ God Bless you Ken for all that you do.
SOOO sorry to hear – this – prayers!
Sorry to hear this . Poor Ryan has been through so much. I hope he’s able to be back home soon and feeling much better. You are the best family by far.
So very sorry to hear of Ryan’s surgery . You have strength beyond words Ken , nobody knows the love for a child as you and Sue . Caregivers, as you are , are in a different league . My heart goes out to Ryan , to you and your family . May he recover from this quickly and return back home soon . There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t remember what he has suffered .. what has been taken from your family . Hang in there my friend , thinking of all of you .(((hugs))) Julie (Ferguson )
Prayers for a swift recovery. Strength to you and your family and Thank you for the updates. Our daughter attended WVU when this horrible journey started and we’ve been with your family (from afar) since then.
Prayers for full recovery for Ryan following his surgery. Keeping everyone in my prayers. God Bless you all.
Never ever giving up on y’all. Think of Ryan and pray for your family daily, without fail. Love y’all
Praying for Ryan’s recovery and peace and comfort for your family. I’ve shared his story numerous times and will continue to do so.
This touched my heart and soul so much and i am so glad Ryan is recovering nicely!
You and your wife and family are simply extraordinary.
Please tell Ryan that although I have never met him in person, that he is near and dear to my heart.
Continuing with you in prayer!
Love and prayers,
Mrs. Vanessa L Richardson and family.