An online fundraiser to help save a popular Loyal High School teacher has become the top GoFundMe campaign in the country.
Created on November 16, the "Save Mr. Ryan" campaign has already surpassed its $100,000 goal.
Sean Ryan, or Mr. Ryan as his students know him, has been teaching English and media studies at Loyola for the past decade. Over the summer he started suffering from dizzy spells and memory loss. His doctors ran some tests (including a CT scan, but not an MRI) and determined he was suffering from post-concussion symptoms following an injury earlier in his baseball season.
Last week the 34-year-old suffered a seizure and was rushed to hospital. Eventually an MRI was done and it revealed a stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme tumour.
The large and highly aggressive brain tumour is the same form of brain cancer US Senator John McCain was diagnosed with in 2017.
Nathalie Fauteux, Ryan's wife, said due to its size and location doctors said surgery is not an option.
"Sean has given the best parts of himself to other people his whole life. He's a dedicated father, husband, son, brother, and loyal friend" his wife wrote. "He's shaped the minds and spirit of a generation of students at Loyola High School and is an amazing teacher. Most important is Sean's ability to make everyone smile and feel better after spending time with him, even now his doctors and nurses at the Neuro love him."
Nathalie Fauteux
Since to GoFundMe was launched, Ryan and his family have received a flood of support from all over.
"Sean, you made every child you worked with feel like they could accomplish anything and I can only imagine how many lives you have made an impact on as a teacher" wrote a former co-worker.
"Mr. Ryan taught me more in Sec 1 English than could fit in any notebook. I think all fellow students of his remember the brilliant classes in NW 354 and his rendition of scenes from 'Harris and Me'" wrote a former student. "He made me love reading and always has an incredible energy and enthusiasm for everything he does."
As of early Tuesday the campaign had raised more than $127,000.
Nathalie Fauteux