Help Ryan raise money

This year I'm running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. While this initially was meant to be biggest goal of my running journey thus far, it has pretty quickly turned into something deeply meaningful and personal.

Something that I have not shared about myself until recently is the loss of my mother five years ago to glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is one of the most complex, deadly, and treatment-resistant forms of cancer. Glioblastoma took Mom away in a matter of months. While we are proud of the care we were able to provide her, my family was in shock at just how fast things happened. We lost the woman with biggest heart, the loudest cheerleader for the family (and Penn State), the best chicken corn soup, and the warmest mother.

Sharing this story has never come easy to me. Running has offered me so much purpose and meaning, especially through Yinz Run Club. YRC has been tremendous in supporting non-profit organizations and helped me to get connected with The Outlier Fund. Through this connection I knew it was time to begin sharing this story as I've learned that I'm not alone in the effects of this cancer.

The Outlier Fund works to bring hope to those impacted by glioblastoma through creating community, raising awareness, and funds for impactful research. I couldn't be more honored to be supporting this wonderful organization. This just seemed like destiny as I approach the one year anniversary of my running journey and five years since we lost Mom. I know Mom is beaming down as I write this and I know she would be there at the finish line with a big hug for me when I finish. This run is for you Mom!