Ryan James Waldheger

Sometimes you meet someone who just has this glowing charm and comforting presence about them... that´s how I remember Ryan. Although I was a few years ahead of him at WHS, I instantly felt like he was a good guy, and someone I would like to converse with on a regular basis. Plus... that smile of his´ was beyond contagious. Who wouldn´t want to be friends with a guy like Ryan? Fast forward to the year 2004, when I just so happened to run into Ryan while he was covering a Westlake Boys...

Hi Tessa, found my way here. Just wanted you to know we still think about Ryan often and I know that many years have passed but he is still in our hearts. Lots of love and hugs to you and the fam.

To anyone who finds their way here tonight, or tomorrow - thank you. I am still so touched reading the entries below and thinking of my brother. My daughter, Ryley Rebecca, is now 4, and has recently become fond of a show that features a young boy named - Ryan. Often, I hear her asking to watch "Ryan" or saying "Ryan is so funny" or "Ryan is so fun." And he was :) He really, was. XOXO Tessa

To Ryan's Friends,

This week is the 11th anniversary of Ryan's last week on earth, after 27 amazing years here. I vividly recall Ryan and this week, as it all happened, and as he actually was. I am still in awe that I am lucky enough to be his Dad, and I still cry for all of his suffering and my own inability to prevent it. None of it fades one little bit. I miss and love you just the same always and forever, Ry. Dad

I feel grateful to have had Ryan as my first friend. We met in Pre-school on the first day, and became instant friends. While our lives drifted as we got older, still most of my childhood memories are with Ryan. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to be there with him when lightning struck my house, to spend my summers with him at Blue Marlin, go trick-or-treating with him every year, and sit up late in his giant recliners during sleep overs eating oreos and listing to ball games in his...

My son, a friend of the Rhode Island branch of the Waldheger family, was given two checks as a gift for his Bar Mitzvah from a friend of his grandmother. One was a gift for him and the other was left blank for the charity of his choice. Knowing the circle of Waldheger love and support, hearing about Ryan, and seeing Tessa in a play in Manhattan, he chose this foundation. I am very proud of him and wanted Ryan's family and friends to know that you have provided inspiration to people most of...

Ryan I think about you all the time at work. You truly are my hero. I see a little bit of you in every patient that continues to have hope, faith, and courage when no one would blame them for giving up. You defied the odds, and you give me hope for all these kids I take care of everyday. You are amazing for what you accomplished in your life and continue with your legacy to help others with cancer.

Miss you Ry! I can't tell the number of times that I've wanted to call you, just to talk - with something important or with something inconsequential and mundane. You will always be a part of who I am and someone that I think about often. Until we meet again!

On Ryan's birthday - If we could have one lifetime wish, one dream that would come true, we would pray with all our hearts for yesterday and you. A thousand words can't bring you back, we know because we've tried; and neither will a million tears, we know because we've cried. You left behind our broken hearts and happy memories too. But we never wanted memories. We only wanted you.