Help Ryan raise money

Last year I ran the Pittsburgh Half Marathon in support of The Outlier Fund. If you were so kind to donate and follow my journey last year, you learned a lot about a deeply personal side of my life that I have really only just began to share with the world. If you are here for the first time, welcome to the community. While this is a fundraising page, the ultimate goal here is to share.

Almost six years ago glioblastoma took away my mother in a matter of months. Glioblastoma is one of the most complex, deadly, and treatment resistant forms of cancer. It was quite a shock how fast this cancer changed the Smith Family's world. We loved mom dearly through this treatment process, as we always did. Ultimately the battle ended in a matter of months. Needless to say, I was numb for quite a while.

Fast forward five years to the moment I finally saw the silver lining of the situation. It was our typical Wednesday Run Crew at East End Brewing with Yinz Run Club. I can recall all of our usual silly shenanigans before the run began. That all came to a screeching halt for me as I heard Harry Larusso tell the group about his battle with glioblastoma, The Outlier Fund, and the encouragement to come run with him. I knew I had finally found my purpose.

Mom was all about being a part of the community. If you were a part of her community, you will never forget what that felt like. Yinz Run Club and The Outlier Fund have provided me with a community to grow and flourish in her absence. I know she would be immensely proud to see these communities.

As I go through this process of fundraising once again, my ultimate goal is to share with you. Share my story, share these communities, share many miles, and share the path to healing. Thank you for your support!