Tomorrow's the Day!!!

Remember to come out and show Ryan some love at his benefit tomorrow:

Saturday May 26th

2pm - ???

 Sangerfield American Legion

8083 Route 20

Sangerfield, NY

There will be live music from local band BoCNY, DJ Aaron Davis, Chicken BBQ and other great food,  Draft Beer and Soft Drinks, Raffles, 50/50 drawing and lots of fun!  Tickets cost $15/person or $25/couple (kids under 8 free).

If you can't make it to the benefit, but would still like to send a donation, they can be mailed to:

The "Ryan Farber Benefit Fund"

GPO Federal Credit Union

4311 Middle Settlement Road

New Hartford, NY  13413

or with a credit card at:

Both of these accounts will still be active after the benefit, if you'd like to make a donation at a later date.

Ryan just finished his 8th day of radiation and seems to be tolerating it pretty well.  It's mainly the steroids that have been giving him side effects (sweats, shaky hands, shortness of breath, increased appetite, sleeplessness).  They decreased his daily dose and we're hoping that helps.  Although, all of that stuff is better than the vomit inducing headaches that occur when he's not taking the steroids!

He's looking forward to seeing all his friends and family at the benefit!

These totally awesome bracelets will be available for purchase at the benefit on Saturday!

From Ryan's Mom

Ryan is starting to have some side effects from his radiation and meds... his spirit is amazing tho! I HATE that this is happening to him! Seeing his hands shake,the awful sweats he has,the loss of his "killer" reflexes and balance,the pain he gets when he tries to focus on something sideways(out of the corner of his eyes) All of these things break my heart,but he is such an inspiration..he NEVER complains he is So STRONG and I am so blessed to be his Mom!!


Here's one of my favorite pictures of Ryan with my dad (Richard Welsh), his brothers (Brandon, Christopher, Michael) and cousin (Olivia) in 2007.  I know my dad is watching from heaven and looking out for us all!

Don't forget the benefit is only 4 days away!  The outpouring of love and support has been AMAZING!!  It's so good for Ryan to know he's not facing this battle alone!!!

The Terminator got terminated :(

As if life hasn't been tough enough for Ryan lately, he just got thrown another curve ball.  His employer sent him a letter terminating his employment!  That leaves things a little up in the air in terms of medical insurance, since it will now end on May 31st.  He can't work or drive for at least the next 6 weeks, so finding a new job is not possible at the moment.   We are going ahead with radiation tomorrow and trusting that everything will work out one way or another.  Ryan's health is the most important thing at this point.

Ry's definitely feeling a little overwhelmed, but he has a great attitude, and will get through this with the same determination that he's shown in fighting the tumor!  If you see him, though, be sure to give him a hug and maybe some words of encouragement!  And if you hear of any job openings starting sometime in July, be sure to pass them along.

Remember to come out and show Ryan some love at his benefit on:

Saturday May 26th

2pm - ???

 Sangerfield American Legion

8083 Route 20

Sangerfield, NY

There will be live music from local band BoCNY, DJ Aaron Davis, Chicken BBQ and other great food,  Draft Beer and Soft Drinks, Raffles, 50/50 drawing and lots of fun!  Tickets cost $15/person or $25/couple (kids under 8 free).

If you'd like to buy tickets to Ryan's benefit with a credit card, please use the "Chip In" link below. Either leave a note on that page, or email RyanFarberBenefitFund@gmail.com to let us know who will be coming. We'll send you a confirmation email that you can print out as proof of payment. 

If you can't make it to the benefit, but would still like to send a donation, they can be mailed to:

The "Ryan Farber Benefit Fund"

GPO Federal Credit Union

4311 Middle Settlement Road

New Hartford, NY  13413

We are so grateful for all the prayers and support shown to Ryan (and our entire family) over the past weeks.  It truly gives us the strength to go on even when things get tough!  We can never say thank you enough.

Radiation

Things seem to be holding steady on the health front with Ryan (no severe headaches or other complications), so radiation starts Wednesday at 3:30pm.  That will continue every Monday-Friday at 3:30pm for the next 6 weeks.  He won't be able to drive or work at all during that time because of the chance of seizures.  The doctor said it's better to be safe then sorry and we all agree!

To brighten everyone's day, let's end with a photo of a young 12-year-old Ry at youth group where there was a challenge to see how many clothespins you can hook to your face.  He was a nut then and he's still a nut!

P.S.  He lost to a girl by 1!!

Buy Your Tickets Online!

If you'd like to buy tickets to Ryan's benefit with a credit card, please use the "Chip In" link below. Either leave a note on that page, or email RyanFarberBenefitFund@gmail.com to let us know who will be coming. We'll send you a confirmation email that you can print out as proof of payment. Thank you again for your prayers and support!!!

Back Home!

They let Ryan go home today...yay!!!  The steroids seem to be doing the trick.  He'll need to stay on them for a least a few weeks and then they will reexamine the need for them. He may have to remain on them through the radiation treatments.  He's just happy not to have the severe headaches anymore!

They fitted him for his radiation mask while he was there.  Check it out:

It's a little like "Tumor Terminator" meets Jason Voorhees...

That tumor better be scared...VERY scared!!!

Thursday Afternoon

They decided to admit Ryan, so they can get the swelling and pain under control before radiation starts.  Swelling is common after brain surgery and steroids are often used to treat it.  Ry feels much better now that they have kicked in along with the pain meds.  As soon as the swelling is gone, he'll be able to start his 6 weeks of radiation.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Ryan and the whole family really appreciate them!!!

Resting like a baby...finally!

Thursday Morning

Tammy had to take Ryan back to the E.R. at 4am.  The swelling returned and so did the headache (the one that brings him to tears).  We're hoping just another round of steroids is all that he'll need.  Please keep praying!

Update from Aunt Bridgett:

Ryan had his first visit with the radiation oncologist today, Dr. Michael LaCombe, who is part of his SUNY Upstate team of doctors in Syracuse.  Dr. Lawrence Chin was his neurosurgeon and did a fabulous job.  Both doctors instill us with confidence and, more importantly, hope!!  We head back tomorrow so Ryan can get fitted for his radiation mask.  It should look something like this:

Once all the measurements are taken and scans are entered into the computer, a team of physicists will pinpoint exactly where the radiation should hit.  Then we'll be taking Ry up Monday-Friday for 6 weeks of treatments.  If all goes well, the only major side effect will be fatigue.

After the appointment, we treated him to lunch at Burger King.  It did his mom good to see him looking so happy and healthy!

 Ryan with his mom, Tammy

P.S.  The headaches and stiffness seem to have subsided.  Thanks for all the prayers!!!