Give Families the Gift of Rest, Renewal and Unforgettable Memories

A summertime story from Ryan House Executive Director, Tracy Leonard-Warner:

I was in the kitchen whipping up my lunch the other day when I caught a flash of neon green zipping down the hallway. There was Gibby, one of our amazing kids, enjoying a summer respite stay and gleefully belting out “Do You Know the Muffin Man?” while holding a lightsaber like a pint-sized Jedi. A few minutes later, he was in the S’more Cafe teaming up with our Child Life Specialist for a burger-building bonanza which they assembled for everyone in the house: sesame bun, burger cooked on our outside grill, BBQ sauce, and topped with onions rings. It was delicious!

Gibby, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder and life-limiting diagnosis, meaning he isn’t expected to reach adulthood, is proof that joy knows no limits. Earlier this week, he dove into a popsicle-stick bridge building extravaganza (his Golden Gate replica is museum-quality, if you ask me), and he’s been experimenting with our 3D printer to bring his wildest creations to life, including a Star Wars figure for the controller of his wheelchair.

Meanwhile, his mom is enjoying some much-needed downtime at home with his big sister, swapping stories and sharing quality one-on-one time without the round-the-clock caregiving routine. That’s exactly why Ryan House exists: to give families a break and kids like Gibby a place to spark imagination and laughter.

Help us keep the fun and the lightsaber battles going. Donate today and give more families the gift of rest, renewal and unforgettable memories!