At my brother's wake, I met a man named Eddie.
He of course offered his condolences, and we shared a hug.
But just minutes after meeting, he told me he wanted to start a foundation for Ryan.
A 5k in September, which was just 4 months away.
I thought it was a great idea,
but I never thought that it would be as big as it was.
It was a great turnout.
Tons of businesses donated sponsorships.
People from all walks of life came to volunteer.
Friends from afar participated in their own cities as ghost runners.
And even larger amount of people came out to run or walk.
It was tough dedicating energy to this right after Ryan passed.
Now I see it was for the best, and now almost a year and several events later,
The Ryan Shuck Foundation is strong,
and it continues to work its way to helping the disabled community.
If we can't have Ryan here with us,
it takes a little sting away knowing that we can do good in his name.
I know he's proud of that.
I am so pleased to announce that the proceeds from the first annual Running for Ryan 5k are being handed over to me to take to Boston as the Hoyts make their last run together.
A whopping $7,000.
I am so proud and I am so grateful.
As a part of Team Hoyt, I agreed to raise $5,000.
I felt that I needed to raise that on my own without this donation as a crutch.
I raised $5,202 as of this morning. This puts me at $12,202.
Holy. Cow.
Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the Ryan Shuck Foundation as well as the Hoyt Foundation. It is truly a blessing to be affiliated with these incredible organizations and being a part in the betterment of disabled peoples lives.
Together we can make a change!
