Ryan Thomas

Dearest Machelle,
I'm done a poor job keeping in touch this past year! We have thought of you so many times - Matthew still talks about Ryan! We have been in the process of selling our house (since Feb) and are building a new home - my pictures are all in storage. When I can finally get to them, I know I have several of Ryan at CHOA, Shop-With-A-Cop, Make-A-Wish store...I will send them as soon as I can! I often think Of Ryan's incredible smile. We were at CHOA a couple of weeks ago for...

Machelle & Robert,
It is hard for me to believe it has been a year since Ryan’s passing. His picture on the third floor continues to be an inspiration to all of us involved in the care of kids. Dad and I wish you all the best in your upcoming exams this spring. We know you will be a huge success!

Ry, We love you!!!
Aunt Tommi Lynn, Uncle Gene, Gina, Alex, Nick, Dad, Grandma Jo & Pappy Ron.

I met Ryan in 2000 when I first moved to Ft. Knox we met through his sister Kayla. He was a very kind person he taugh my little brother how to play some card games and I just remimber that him and his famiy were just so blessed by God.

Ryan made such a huge impact on my life in a short amount of time. His positive attitude and loving spirit touched my heart immediately. I remember one encounter with Ryan fondly as we spoke of god and how he had so many friends that had passed on. I took away from our conversation a feeling of joy and need knowing that I want to have the spiritual trust that Ryan had. What an inspirational spirit Ryan has. I know he continues to carry that on in his new home.

I feel inspired by Ryan and his short life. He touched me the first day he walked into our office for treatment. He was so strong and always so upbeat each time he returned for more radiation. He certainly put the little every day problems into perspective for me. His joy in living his life every day no matter how bad he might feel physically was amazing. Being a mother I am also inspired by the courage displayed by his mother Machelle. Ryan will live through her and through all of us...

MACHELLE, I THINK OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OFTEN. AS YOU KNOW, I TOO KNOW WHAT IT IS TO LOSE A SON. ALL OF US AT KOSAIR LOVED RYAN AND HATED TO SEE YOU ALL LEAVE FOR COLORADO. I KNOW THAT THE NURSES HE HAD AFTER KOSAIR CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOVED HIM AS MUCH AS WE DID. HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND WAS ALWAYS WORRIED ABOUT HIS MOM AND FAMILY. I AM GLAD DANA AND JILL HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW AND LOVE HIM EVEN IF HIS CAMP QUALITY EXPERIENCES WERE SHORT LIVED. I THINK OF RED HAIR, FRECKLES, A GREAT...

I just wanted everyone to know that their now hangs an amazing drawing of Ryan hanging in the hall between the Peds unit and the PICU unit at Memorail Hospital. This picture will remind us daily of the battle that Ryan fought, but moreso....the sweetness and determination that he wore on his sleeve.
The staff here will always remember Ryan...........He is missed greatly.

We will always remember Ryan. He was such a beautiful child. There are some people that we meet in life that just seem so perfect and special. Ryan was one of those people. I remember how much Alexandra enjoyed playing with Kayla and Ryan. I loved to hear the stories of how Ryan would chase the girls around the house and tease them. Ryans laugh was infectious. It was such a joy to hear him laugh...(more of a belly giggle). How lucky we all are to have been able to know him..if only...