Ryan House Press

Runners, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, dogs, teams & virtual runners are all welcome

WHAT: Come one, come all for the 14th annual Run for Ryan House featuring a 5K and 1 Mile

Family Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 6 at Mesa Riverview Park.

We invite you to get outside and spend the morning with us and assist in our mission to continue to provide world-class care and programs for the medically fragile children and families we serve as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys.

Event highlights include:

• Runners, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, dogs, teams & virtual runners welcome
• A shirt, bib, goodie bag, and a participation medal
• Race Expo and awards ceremony
• Sign up to create your personal fundraising page
• New friends and great memories!

WHEN: 7 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6

• Check in: 7AM
• 5K: 8:30AM
• Family Fun Run: 9:30AM

WHERE: Mesa Riverview Park (located at the NW corner of Dobson and Rio Salado Pkwy)

PRICING: 5 K:

• Early Bird Registration: $25 per person (before July 31)
• Regular Registration: $35 per person (Aug. 1 – Sept. 27)
• Late Registration: $45 per person (Sept. 28 – Oct. 5)
• Family Fun Run: $15 per person (thru October 5)
• Virtual Runner: $25 per person (thru October 5)

More info and registration visit www.RunForRyanHouse.org.

Sponsorship and vendor booth opportunities are available by contacting info@ryanhouse.org or (602) 200-0767.

MORE INFO:

About Ryan House

With our world-class care and programs, we embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by our prestigious care partners and highly-trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of three in the country. For more information visit www.ryanhouse.org.

Funds raised will provide respite and end of life care to children with life-limiting conditions.

PHOENIX (April 5, 2019) – Nearly 1,000 guests attended Ryan House’s 11th Annual Community Breakfast on Friday, March 29 at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, which celebrated the life and legacy of Ryan House Namesake Ryan Cottor and Ryan House.

The event raised more than $330,000 that will directly support the nonprofit organization which currently relies 100 percent on community donations and cares for Arizona’s most medically fragile children and their families.

Ryan’s parents, Jonathan and Holly Cottor, shared a very special, heartfelt keynote with guests about the last few days of his life as well as the impact that his life and legacy continues to have on so many others. Immediately following, Ryan’s older brother, Ethan, played guitar and sang in his honor. This was the first time that the Cottors spoke publicly since their son’s recent passing.

Hospice of the Valley’s Community Engagement Director, Lin-Sue Cooney, served as the event emcee. This year’s Event Chair was Brittany Harrison. The event also featured the first-ever Legacy Award, in honor of Ryan, which was given to each of the 15 Founding Board members when Ryan House became a reality in 2005. They are Jonathan Cottor, Diane Eckstein, Jon Ford, Dr. David Hirsch, Gerda Klein, Susan Levine, Rachel Oesterle, Dr. Susan Palmer-Hunter, Kris Scardello, Judy Schubert, Charles Scott, Judy Shannon, Faye Tait, Patty Taylor, and Nancy White.

“This year’s event was truly a special one as we celebrated the impact of Ryan’s amazing life on Ryan House,” said Ryan House Executive Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “There are thousands of people who have all, in one way or another, been impacted by the life and legacy of this inspiring young man who defied all odds and today we were able to share our gratitude and shine a light on so many of them.”

Some facts and figures shared at this year’s event include the following:

· In 2019, Ryan House expects to provide world-class care to more than 200 children through our respite, palliative and end-of-life programs.

· Over 96 percent of our families say that because of Ryan House, they are able to participate in activities that are meaningful to them.

· Over 95 percent say they experience less stress and anxiety as a caregiver.

· In 2018, the Ryan House village consisted of 705 volunteers which totals more than 340,000 hours of volunteer time which equates to more than $8,250,00 worth of volunteer time given to Ryan House.

· Also in 2018, Ryan House had 2,748 donations ranging from $5 – $125,000 with the average donation of $845. The grand total of donations in 2018 was more than $2.3 million.

“Ryan House is more than just a facility; it is an innovative concept in Pediatric Palliative Care,” said Leonard-Warner. “Our world class care is made possible by our supporters and for that, we are truly grateful.”

Ryan House is a safe and joyful place where kids can be kids and families can be families. During respite stays of up to 28 days per year, Ryan House provides everyday childhood experiences, including swimming and sleepovers, to children whose medical conditions make many of these experiences difficult and empowers children to life their best life. As one of only three facilities of its kind in the nation, Ryan House is leading the way for a new model of care in pediatric palliative care.

About Ryan House

With our world-class care and programs, we embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by our prestigious care partners and highly-trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of three in the country. For more information visit ryanhouse.org.

Funds raised will provide respite and end of life care to children with life-limiting conditions.

PHOENIX (March 19, 2018) – Nearly 1,000 guests attended Ryan House’s 10th Annual Community Breakfast on Thursday, March 8 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort, which featured event Honorary Chair and Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Drew Stanton.

The event raised $275,000 that will directly support the nonprofit organization which relies 100 percent on community donations and cares for Arizona’s most medically fragile children and their families.

“As Ryan House celebrates its 10th year with open doors, open hearts, we are so grateful for the support of the community, which has opened its heart to Ryan House and embraced our mission,” said Ryan House Executive Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “For the children and families we serve, Ryan House is a lifeline.”

Stanton lent his support as Honorary Chair of the Breakfast and spoke during the program about a recent visit he had with one of the children on end-of-life care. Hospice of the Valley’s Community Engagement Director, Lin-Sue Cooney, served as the event emcee. This year’s Event Chair was Steffani Meyers. The event also featured the second annual Courage Award presentation to ASU students and Ryan House volunteers Dustin Parsons and Max Bartolomea as well as Ryan House family keynote speech from the Crowell Family, and a welcome by Ryan House Teen Board Volunteer Ryland Davidson.

Ryan House is a safe and joyful place where kids can be kids and families can be families. During respite stays of up to 28 days per year, Ryan House provides everyday childhood experiences, including swimming and sleepovers, to children whose medical conditions make many of these experiences difficult and empowers children to life their best life. As one of only three facilities of its kind in the nation, Ryan House is leading the way for a new model of care in pediatric palliative care.

“We’re proud that we’ve been able to serve nearly 1,000 families in the eight years Ryan House has been in operation,” said Leonard-Warner. “We estimate as many as 5,000 families in Maricopa County could benefit from this kind of care. The funds raised today will allow us to continue to reach those who need us most.”

About Ryan House

With our world-class care and programs, we embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by our prestigious care partners and highly-trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of two in the country.

Funds raised to provide respite & end-of-life care to children with life-limiting conditions.

PHOENIX (Dec. 14, 2018) – Nearly 200 guests attended Ryan House’s Signature White Christmas Gala in the Gold Room at the Arizona Biltmore Resort on Saturday, Dec. 8 where they enjoyed an intimate, joyous evening celebrating The Board of Visitors Ryan House and the song “White Christmas,” which was written by Irving Berlin poolside at the Arizona Biltmore.

The event, which is held annually as a thank you to those who support Ryan House’s mission, raised more than $130,000 in direct support for the nonprofit organization that cares for Arizona’s children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Guests of the event, which was led by 2018 Committee Chairs Mr. Pat Harlan and Mr. Tim O’Neil, enjoyed an elegant evening to begin the holiday season featuring fine dining, festive dancing to the tunes of The Hamptons band and a magical snow fall on the Arizona Biltmore Gold Room patio.

The Ryan House Board of Directors and the 2018 White Christmas Committee honored James and Karrie Pierson that evening. Their daughter, Caroline, was born with a rare, undiagnosed genetic disorder causing her brain to stop growing at 20 weeks gestation. Caroline has been benefiting from respite care at Ryan House since it opened in 2010. The Piersons know, firsthand, the struggles families who have children with complex medical conditions face and have experienced the incredible specialized care Ryan House provides.

“We are so grateful for the support of the community, which has opened its heart to Ryan House and embraced our mission,” said Ryan House Executive Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “For the children and families we serve, Ryan House is a lifeline.”

About Ryan House

With our world-class care and programs, we embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by our prestigious care partners and highly-trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of two in the country. 

PHOENIX (Feb. 1, 2018) – Valley nonprofit, Ryan House, whose mission is to provide world-class care and programs that embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys, announced Tracy Leonard-Warner as its new Executive Director.

In this new role, Leonard-Warner will serve as the chief fundraising and administrative officer and lead the development/administrative team.

She was most recently Ryan House’s Individual Giving Officer. Prior to joining Ryan House in 2017, Leonard-Warner led an interdisciplinary healthcare team for Hospice of the Valley for five years.

“Tracy’s experience, proven leadership abilities and commitment to our mission will enhance Ryan House’s community presence and the services we provide the children and families we serve,” said Ryan House Board Chair Janet Moodie. “We are thrilled to have Tracy lead our development team, grow our presence in the community and develop increased support through volunteerism and financial contributions.”

Leonard-Warner spent 16 years as the Music Therapy Coordinator-Supervisor at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, where she started the music therapy program in 1996. She began her music therapy career working with severely disabled and medically fragile children in private practice and at Upward Foundation. She has also served on the Board of Directors of community organizations such as ASU Hillel and the Young Leadership Division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix. Leonard-Warner holds a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Innovation from Arizona State University.

About Ryan House

With our world-class care and programs, we embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by our prestigious care partners and highly-trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of three in the country.