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When Ryan was born, his parents and siblings started making plans for his Olympic debut. Before he turned five, those plans were dashed when they were told by a doctor he might live to 18. The prognosis was Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His parents were vaguely aware of the word muscular dystrophy. Jerry Lewis had a telethon for it, but they knew nothing else.
He went through life as normal as possible; well, he tried, but his parents always worried he wouldn't make it past 18. He had a great deal of hope and believed a cure would be made available, and he would no longer have muscular dystrophy. He lived many years of his life with that belief, and because of it, held himself back in many ways.
He decided to go to college, for which he had never planned. After about 14 or 15 years, he just completed his Ph.D. in 2020. in General Psychology, which he started in 2013 as well as a Masters. At the same time, attending school and trying to find employment, which is difficult when handicapped. There were specific dreams he always had growing up, and somehow he remembers most of those dreams. After high school, He thought about writing a book and started several times. However, in 2017 he started writing, and though it was slowed by school, he never stopped.
In November 2019, everything changed in his life for the better. He had some significant challenges impacted his life. Those three years up to June 2020 were the hardest of his life but the most educational. That day in November 2019, he rode in a handicapped conversion van. That taste of freedom was addictive because he could see everything, and getting in the van was so easy. The few minutes of that test drive opened his mind to all the possibilities and things he had been keeping himself from. He determined then to do everything he could to provide for himself and a family. This included finishing his degree, a novel, and being a motivational speaker and Life Coach. He completed most of those things in 2020 and is working towards perfecting them. He just started his Life Coach practice in October 2020, where he helps people be successful and reach their goals. If he can do it in a wheelchair, anyone can. Writing is just one step. He loves it and is glad to put his dreams to use.
His parents both passed away in 2021 which affected his writing, but it's 2023, and he's back at it.
Reach for the stars! No matter the size or distance, reach with all your might!
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