WYOMING, Mich. — Doctors diagnosed Ryan Redick with adenocarcinoma in February.
The stage 4 cancer is in his lungs, lymph nodes, pancreas and liver.
“I’ve done three rounds of chemotherapy already, and it really takes its toll on you. I’d say it’s worse than the cancer itself,” Redick said.
“They ran some tests and everything and told me I had three months to a year to live. So, Bailey took that pretty, pretty hard,” he explained.
Ryan’s son Bailey is 12 years old. It’s a trying time that’s brought father and son together.
“It’s been hard, but I try not to think about it, and it’s getting easier and easier to do. But at first it wasn’t,” Bailey Redick said.
To make matters worse, Bailey’s father had just started a new job and didn’t have health insurance.
Determined to help, Bailey organized a benefit dinner, including a raffle and silent auction, for his dad.
It took place at St. John Vianney Church.
“It means a lot. He’s very mature, he’s 12 going on 20,” Redick said of his son.
“It brought the community together. It brought families together that don’t know each other,” Ryan Redick said.
Bailey said, “I just hope he gets better.”
The support is also pouring in on Facebook and through a donation page on giveforward.org.
“That’s what helps the most is the prayers. They keep that smile on my face and they keep my drive going forward,” Redick said.
“The community, you see all the people that are here. You know, half of which I don’t know, but they’re coming up and giving me a hug, and it makes you feel good when they’re giving you a hug.
“It’s awesome. It’s a great feeling, and I want to thank everyone. If I live an extra year, two years, three years, ya know, it’s going to be in part because of all the prayer that I’m getting,” Redick said.
“I love you dude. Thanks for doing this for me,” Redick and his son embraced tearfully.
Bailey thanks everyone who’s supported the cause.
Redick said he’s switched facilities and will undergo three more rounds of chemotherapy.
As of last night, an aunt says the fundraiser brought in $7,775 for the family.
