"FIGHTER" posted by Amber (Ashley's sister)

When we started this process of creating an event to raise money for Ryan's care, Ashley told me that if we raised $5,000 she would shave her head. I knew that would be easily obtainable because of the amazing family, friends and community we live in. I told her, "You better shoot a little higher Sis. We will raise that easily. How about if we raise $20,000 you shave your head?" She said, "Nope, $5,000."  We all know you don't argue with Ash when she sets her mind to something, but I honestly thought she was kidding. Well, two days ago I was going over our donations and we had $4,800. The past week the checks have finally started to pour in. I have been getting several each day, plus the paypal. I called Ashley and asked her if her razor was sharp because by tomorrow I was SURE we would have $5,000. She said "SERIOUSLY!" I gave her a list of all you wonderful friends that have donated, sponsored holes, and bought slots for the tournament. She put me on speaker and made me repeat everything to Ryan. They were SO excited!!! She said to Ryan, "Honey, looks like I am shaving my head." I reminded her that I though she should shoot higher. She said NO she said $5,000 and that is what she meant!

The next day I had set up a meeting set up at 5:00 with some fellow volunteers that are helping me with the fund raiser. Ashley called and told me she would be there at 6:00 to shave her head. I have to admit I tried to put her off on doing it, but again, you all know Ash. She, Ryan, the boys, Ryan's family, and our family showed up at 6:00 ready to go.  She was seriously going to have Ryan shave her head.

When the time came it didn't go as smooth as we thought it might. It was a VERY sobering, emotional moment. There was MANY tears shed.  It was so amazing to see th strength Ryan and Ashley have, and the love they share.  This terrible trial has brought them together in a way that cannot even be explained. Before Ryan shaved her head he tearfully told Ashley what an amazing, wonderful wife she is and how much he loves and appreciates her. She told him that he has been the most wonderful "FIGHTER" she has ever seen. That shaving her head was nothing compared to all he has gone through.  

When Ryan finished shaving her head he kept telling her over and over, "Honey, you are so beautiful. Isn't she beautiful?!" 

 I am so proud of Ryan and Ashley.  I must say Ashley, you can pull off being bald. ;) We love you both!!!

Me kissing her hair goodbye 

Pain Pain Go Away :)

Yesterday after two days of Ryans pain being uncontrolled at home, the Dr admitted him to St Lukes Downtown. His pain in better today and they are trying to get his cortisol levels figured out. He had a MRI yesterday to look for infection in his spine since he has had a lot of pain there and a high fever. The results are that his cancer has spread to the T12 level of his vertebrae. We are waiting on the information from the Rad Onc to get started on radiation of that site as well. They will start this today, since they are worried that the tumor would make him paralyzed since it is laying on his spinal cord.
We have an amazing view from our presidential suite (broom closet) of the ER and have completely enjoyed the sounds of the chirping birds(machine alarms) and the four star linens on his bed and my cot, and are looking forward to a few more nights in paradise. On a serious note, they have done well today getting his pain under control and he is talking and feeling much better today.
Until Later!
Love, Hope, Faith!

Ryan Holaday Benefit Golf Tournament!

Click on the picture flyer below

SAVE THE DATE . . .Ryan Holaday Benefit Golf Tournament

1st Annual Ryan Holaday Benefit Golf Tournament!!! River Bend Golf Course in Homedale, ID, June 19th at 8am. $250/4 person team. Dinner included. Benefit auction to follow. $100 minimum to sponsor a hole. We are also looking for donations for the auction. If you aren't a golfer, you are welcome to attend the dinner. It will be $25/person. Registration deadline for the golf tournament and dinner is June 12. We will also be looking forward to celebrating Ryan's 30th birthday at the golf course!!!

Ryan is 29 and has stage 4 adrenal cancer. He is married to Ashley Bieker Holaday and they have 2 boys. Brody, age 5 and Kolby, age 3. Ryan had a major surgery in November to remove a 5+ pound tumor, a kidney and his gallbladder. He and his family went to Chicago for 2 months to undergo a clinical trial which was unsuccessful. Unfortunately, we recently found out the tumor is back, about the same size, and the cancer has mets to his liver. Ryan is currently undergoing radiation.

All proceeds will aid in his care. Register online at http://www.theholadays.blogspot.com/ or call Amber Stice at (208) 880-9940 or Zach Bieker at (208) 739-8543.

Thank you all SO much & we love to you all!

Radiation Radiation Radiation . . .

Radiation has been tough. Monday was day 1 of 14 treatements. Ryan walked out of the radiation vault feeling great, and I was shocked that he was out so quickly- nothing like chemo. We went home afterwards and Ryan wanted to go into Boise. We made it as far as Middleton when Ryan started puking along side of the freeway, and then it began. Radiation sucks! We now have it somewhat figured out. Before each treatment(daily) he goes in for fluids, anti-nausea and pain meds through his port. This has made all the difference in the world. When we saw his Rad Oncologist Friday she explained it like this-
Ryan's tumor is pressing up on his stomach and when they radiate the tumor, it also radiates his stomach. This is also causing the stomach to fight back and thus the reason he is so pukey. She said that this radiation would be miserable, thanks to the location of the tumor, but she is hopeful that when the 14 days are complete he will have good pain relief.
Yesterday he ate a great breakfast and we celebrated food by going to Texas Roadhouse.(Ry's favorite restaurant)
We are looking forward to next week. Ryan's Grandpa is coming to visit for a while. It has been 3 years since we last saw him and Barbara. The boys are looking forward to seeing Grandpa Burr!! Monday will be day 6 and the half point will soon follow. As much as we love all the nurses at MSTI, it will be extremely nice to not spend the majority of each day with them :):) We need to get ready for camping season!! YAY!!