Ryan's Fight - Refuse to Lose!

Thank You for a Great Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:36:00 +0000

“Thank you” to everyone who supported and participated in the 3rd annual #3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving on December 3rd. Nearly 50 donors showed up, including four for the first time. The American Red Cross is especially grateful for collections around the Christmas season and 120 Central Ohio families could benefit from the donations.

Between the sale of raffle tickets, commemorative t-shirts designed by Ryan’s sister Alaina, a donation by the Jacket Backers and an employer matching contribution, $665 was raised for the Blue Jackets Foundation and fight against pediatric cancer.

Congratulations to all the raffle prize winners, including Andi Bell, who won the Columbus Blue Jackets grand prize. We are thankful for all the local merchants who donated prizes and Raising Cane’s for catering lunch for the volunteers for the third year in a row.

On behalf of the Salmons family, the Blue Jackets Foundation, the American Red Cross and the patients and families who will benefit from this event, THANK YOU to all who supported this event. And, a special thank you to Chris Tucker for all of his hard work in putting this event together.

Mark your calendars now as the 4th annual #3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving will be held at Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, December 1st, 2012.

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Click here for event pictures.

Announcing the 3rd Annual Ryan Salmons Blood Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:37:00 +0000

On Saturday, December 3rd, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, in partnership with the Columbus Blue Jacket Backers, the # 3 “Refuse To Lose” blood drive in memory of Ryan will again be held at Memorial Baptist Church, located at 2435 Eakin Road, Columbus, Ohio.

A raffle for prizes donated by local vendors will take place after the event. In addition, a Columbus Blue Jacket prize package will be given away. The grand prize winner will receive the following:

Two tickets to see the Jackets play Dallas on Thursday, Feb 9, 2012.
Two pre-game dinner buffets in the Time Warner HD Lounge
Zamboni ride
Autographed hockey stick

All donors will receive a complimentary raffle ticket. Additional tickets can be purchased the day of the event or in advance ($5 each or three (3) for $10). You do not need to be present to win. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation in memory of Ryan.

If you donated on or before October 8, 2011, you may be eligible to donate at this event (August 13th if you previously gave double red cells). Double red cell machines will be available.

Teens age 16 years of age can also donate, provided they meet certain criteria and have a parent or guardian sign a written consent form (available the day of the event or in advance upon request via email).

Sign-up NOW using the link on this site to schedule your appointment.

In the first two annual drives, the American Red Cross (ARC) collected nearly 115 pints of blood, benefitting the lives of 345 patients in Central Ohio.

Help us reach our goal of 60 donations by spreading the news. Download the event flier and share with family and friends. Or, post it on your Facebook page!

To purchase raffle tickets in advance or if you have additional questions, email RyanSalmonsDayofGiving@yahoo.com. For ARC information about donor eligibility or donor facts, access http://www.givelife.org/.

On behalf of the Salmons family, the American Red Cross and the Blue Jackets Foundation, thank you in advance for your support.

A Long Overdue - THANK YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone who supported and participated in the 2nd annual #3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving on December 4th.

The American Red Cross collected 50 pints of blood, which will affect the lives of 150 patients in central Ohio. Proceeds from raffle tickets and merchandise sales for the Ryan Salmons Foundation will benefit families battling pediatric cancer.

Mark your calendars now as the 3rd annual Day of Giving event will take place at Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Again, on behalf of the Ryan Salmons Foundation, American Red Cross and the families and patients who will benefit from this event, THANK YOU!

Give the Gift of Life This Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:47:00 +0000

Only one week until the 2nd annual “#3 Ryan Salmons blood drive

Give the gift of life this holiday season.

The 2nd Annual “#3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving” takes place on Saturday, December 4th, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm in the gymnasium at Memorial Baptist Church (2435 Eakin Road – SW Columbus). The event features a blood drive in memory of our favorite Blue Jacket. If you wish to donate but have not yet signed up, please do so NOW as slots are limited. A double red cell machine will also be available for interested and qualified donors. Walk-in’s are welcome but with priority given to appointments.

All donors will be entered into a raffle to win a Columbus Blue Jacket prize package, which includes two tickets to see the Jackets on Saturday, Feb. 5th, dinner at the Time Warner lounge and a team autographed hockey stick. Additional tickets can be purchased for $5 each or three (3) for $10. All contributions benefit the Ryan Salmons Foundation and are 100% tax deductible.

Tickets will be available at the event and can also be purchased in advance by emailing the address below. You need not be present to win.

1. Click Here to Sign Up Today!*
2. Then, click the "Enter a Sponsor Code" link (blue button on left)
3. Enter the Sponsor Code: ryansalmons

If you have any questions or experience difficulty with the e-donor registration, email RyanSalmonsDayofGiving@yahoo.com

Announcing the 2nd Annual Ryan Salmons Blood Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:13:00 +0000

On Saturday, December 4th, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, the # 3 “Refuse To Lose” blood drive in memory of Ryan will again take place at Memorial Baptist Church, located at 2435 Eakin Road, Columbus, Ohio.

December is an extremely challenging time for the American Red Cross (ARC). Yet the need during the winter season is constant. The results from last year’s drive were fantastic. The ARC collected 68 pints of blood (25 from first time donors), which benefitted the lives of 198 patients in central Ohio. We hope to exceed that goal this year. Double red cell machines will also be available. However, ARC resources are limited and must be scheduled well in advance so sign up now, do not delay. For your convenience, sign-up online today to reserve your donation appointment.

If you donate on or before October 9, 2010, you may be eligible to donate again at this event (August 14th if you previously gave double red cells). Teens age 16 years of age can also donate, provided they meet certain criteria and have a parent or guardian sign a written consent form. Forms will be available at the event or can be obtained in advance by submitting a request to the email address below.

A raffle for a Columbus Blue Jacket prize package will also be drawn at the end of the event. The winner will receive the following:

Two tickets to see a Jackets home game in early 2011 (game TBD)
Two pre-game dinner buffets in the Time Warner HD Lounge
An autographed hockey stick

This year, tickets can be purchased in advance. Additional prizes donated by local vendors will also be raffled. You do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $5 each or three (3) for $10 and contributions are tax deductible. Ryan Salmons merchandise will also be available for purchase. All proceeds from both the raffle and merchandise sales will benefit the Ryan Salmons Foundation.

To purchase raffle tickets in advance, email RyanSalmonsDayofGiving@yahoo.com for details. You may also email to sign up to donate blood manually, inquire about the event or to obtain a flier of the event to post or forward to others that might be interested. For ARC information about donor eligibility or donor facts, access www.givelife.org.

On behalf of the American Red Cross and the Ryan Salmons Foundation, thank you in advance for your support.

Car Show, Friday, July 30th, 2010, for Ryan

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:18:00 +0000

Today is a very tough day for our family. Today would have been Ryan's 21st birthday. Words have not come easy. Ryan, I am happy that you are no longer dealing with the pain, but I miss you so much!

Mark Thomas and his Corvette Club are putting on a Car Show tomorrow night at Bob Evan's on Cleveland Ave. All proceeds will be donated to The Ryan Salmons Foundation. It is open to all types of cars, regardless of the make or year. Bob Evan's will be donating proceeds from outside food sales, and Mark will have cards that will allow Ryan's foundation to receive 15% of food purchases inside. Please feel free to stop in and view the cars. Details are listed below:

Bob Evan's at 6193 Cleveland Ave., 614-882-3254

Car show time is 5pm to 9pm, open to all makes and models

Entry fee is $5.00/car

50/50 raffle, prizes, etc.

We hope you can bring your car or stop by and enjoy others.

Ride for Ryan - This Saturday, May 15

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Tue, 11 May 2010 01:55:00 +0000

Reminder - The Benefit Ride is this weekend! Last year, we had over one hundred participants...everyone had a great time, for a great cause. The weather is supposed to be nice, so come on out and ride!

What: Ryan Salmons Memorial Ride
Date: May 15, 2010 (Rain Date: May 16, 2010)
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Place: Meet at Walmart on Stringtown Road, North Lot

All Proceeds go to the Ryan Salmons Foundation. For more information contact Kenneth Vaido at 614-419-2404

One Year Ago Today......

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Sat, 01 May 2010 03:44:00 +0000

I have tried to think of words to say and put out here on our blog. 1 year later, I still can't find any words to describe how I feel. But oh what a difference a year makes. This has by far been the hardest year of my life. It seems like so long ago that I last saw my son, but I can't believe it has already been a year. I can't believe that it has been almost 3 months since I have lost my dad.

I would like to thank everyone that have worked so hard over the past year to keep Ryan's spirit alive. We have done some wonderful things in Ryan's memory and continue to focus on helping families fighting pediatric cancer. We have received our 501 (c) 3 status, and have been able to affect many children's lives. With the support of the community, we have been able to purchase 30, 26 inch LCD TVs for the J5 unit at Children's. We have sent families to The Harlem Globetrotters, Disney on Ice, The Wiggles, and The Columbus BlueJackets games. We have been able to give Halloween bags filled with many different treats and toys to all children on the floor during the Halloween time. To see the kids after they have had the time away, it has helped me cope with the loss of my boy. We have more ideas of ways to help these kids and look forward to seeing these ideas come to life.

I guess the easy way out is for me to quote the words of Toby Keith. He wrote this song for his friend, Wayman Tisdale that died two weeks after Ryan. If you have never heard the song, please listen to it. Ryan, I love you, miss you tremendously, but am glad that you are pain free!

Cryin for Me by Toby Keith

Got the news on Friday mornin’
But a tear I couldn’t find
You showed me how I’m supposed to live
And now you showed me how to die
I was lost till Sunday mornin’
I woke up to face my fear
While I’m writing you this goodbye song
I found a tear

I’m gonna miss that smile
I’m gonna miss you my friend
Even though it hurts the way it ended up
I’d do it all again
So play it sweet in heaven
‘Cause that’s right where you wanna be
I’m not crying 'cause I feel so sorry for you
I’m crying for me

Event Announcement: Ride for Ryan

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:27:00 +0000

Benefit Ride! All Proceeds go to the Ryan Salmons Foundation.

What: Ryan Salmons Memorial Ride

Date: May 15, 2010 (Rain Date: May 16, 2010)

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Place: Meet at Walmart on Stringtown Road, North Lot

For more information contact Kenneth Vaido at 614-419-2404.

Carlos Salmons 1941 - 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Salmons) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:41:00 +0000

It is with a very heavy heart that we share that our Dad, Carlos "Grandpa" Salmons, unexpectedly passed away Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. He is now with Ryan. As everyone who knew Carlos would attest, he was the most generous, loving, kind, dedicated man. We appreciate all of your prayers at this most very difficult time.

CARLOS SALMONS
Carlos Lee Salmons, age 68, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at his home with his wife of 47 years by his side. Carlos was a member of West Broad Church of the Nazarene and retired after 43 years with NAPA. Carlos was preceded in death by his grandson Ryan Michael Salmons. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; sons Bradley W. (Susan), Barry A. (Amy); grandchildren Alaina, Alex and Josh. Family and friends may visit on Friday from 4-8 PM at THE SPENCE-MILLER FUNERAL HOME 2697 Columbus St. Grove City. Funeral service will be held Saturday 12:00 PM at Grove City Church of the Nazarene 4770 Hoover Rd. Grove City. Pastors Wayne Beard and Bob Morrison officiating. Interment Sunset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Ryan Salmons Foundation 2107 Gingerwood Court Grove City, Ohio 43123. Online guestbook at www.spencemillerfuneralhome.com

Thank you,
The Salmons Family

Ryan Salmons Bowling Invitational Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:16:00 +0000

We are proud to announce the First Annual Ryan Salmons Bowling Invitational to Benefit Families fighting Pediatric Cancer. As we have developed different events, the kids wanted an event that they could participate. This is one event that the whole family can enjoy.

The details of the event will be;

Ryan Salmons Foundation
Bowling Invitational
Sunday March 14th
2:00 – 4:00

Location:

AMF Stardust Lanes
2434 Old Stringtown Rd
Grove City

614-875-4343

614-875-4547

Additional Information;

24 teams of 4

50/50 Raffle

Silent Auction Items

Costs;

$100 per team of 4 adults
$80per team 0f 4 children (under 12)

Please email Cindy Ackley at cindy@ryansalmonsfoundation.org to sign up

198 Patients Get the Gift of Blood

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:03:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone who contributed to and participated in the #3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving on Saturday, December 19th. The response and results were terrific. View Photos Here
.
The American Red Cross collected 68 pints of blood (25 from first time donors), which will affect the lives of 198 patients in central Ohio. Proceeds from raffle tickets and merchandise sales will benefit both the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and Ryan Salmons Foundation respectively in their quest to battle and aid the families subjected to pediatric cancer.

On behalf of the American Red Cross, both charities and the many patients and families who will benefit from this event, THANK YOU!

One week until the “#3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving” event

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Just a reminder that the "#3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving" takes place in one week on Saturday, December 19th from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium at Memorial Baptist Church (2435 Eakin Road - SW Columbus). The event features a blood drive in memory of our favorite Blue Jacket. If you wish to donate but have not yet signed up, do so NOW as available slots are filling up quickly. Because of the response, a double red cell machine will also be available for interested and qualified donors. Walk-in's are welcome but with priority given to appointments.

Click Here to Sign Up Today!*
Then, click the "Schedule Your Blood Donation" link (red button on left)
Enter the Sponsor Code: ryansalmons

A Columbus Blue Jackets prize package will be raffled at the end of the event. The package includes dinner at the HD Time Warner Lounge and four tickets to see the Jackets on Saturday, January 19th and autographed merchandise. Tickets are $5 each or three (3) for $10. Anyone can purchase raffle tickets the day of the event and you do not need to be present to win.

Raffle proceeds and #3 Salmons CBJ t-shirt sales will benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. Salmons hats and remembrance wristbands will be for sale with proceeds benefiting the Ryan Salmons Foundation.

If you have any questions or experience difficulty with the e-donor registration, contact chris_p_tucker@ham.honda.com.

Progress Report on the “#3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving” event.

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:21:00 +0000

Recently we announced a blood drive (Saturday, December 19th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm) in memory of our favorite Blue Jacket with a goal to have 75 registered donors by October 19th. We are pleased to have achieved 37% of our target (28 registered donors) with just over one week left in the initial challenge. The American Red Cross has pledged additional donor slots if this trend continues. If you would like to donate, but have not yet signed up, please do so NOW.

Click Here to Sign Up Today!*
Then, click the "Schedule Your Blood Donation" link (red button on left)
Enter the Sponsor Code: ryansalmons

Good news for teenagers interested in donating. On October 6th, the minimum age for donor eligibility was lowered to age 16 (parent’s permission is required). Minimum requirements for teenagers age 16 – 18 also include new height and weight requirements. To learn more about this change and see if you may be eligible to donate, email the contact listed below.

Volunteers are beginning to distribute fliers to local businesses, churches and schools. A huge thanks to the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation for passing out fliers at their “Hockey is in Your Blood” campaign recently.

To become a volunteer or ask how you can register to donate without going through the e-donor site, contact chris_p_tucker@ham.honda.com. Event fliers to send friends/family, post at work, school or a local business or on Facebook or My Space are also available upon request.

Announcing the “#3 Ryan Salmons Day of Giving” event.

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:18:00 +0000

On Saturday, December 19th, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, the # 3 “Refuse To Lose” blood drive in honor of Ryan will occur at Memorial Baptist Church, located at 2435 Eakin Road, Columbus. December is an extremely challenging time for the American Red Cross (ARC). Yet the need during the winter season is constant.

Presently, 75 donor slots have been reserved for this event. Based on demand, there is some flexibility to add more. However, because ARC resources are limited and must be allocated well in advance, interested donors need to register and sign up via the ARC e-donor link by October 19th. If slots are unaccounted for two months in advance of the drive, ARC resources could be reallocated to other drives occurring across Central Ohio. We anticipate slots may fill fast, so please reserve yours now, don’t delay. For your convenience, the e-donor link is located on this home page.

Click Here to Sign Up Today!*
Then, click the "Schedule Your Blood Donation" link (red button on left)
Enter the Sponsor Code: ryansalmons

In addition to the blood drive, a Columbus Blue Jacket prize package will be raffled off at the event. The winner will receive four tickets (upper bowl – attack zone) to see the Jacket vs. Chicago on Saturday, January 16th @ 7 pm. Additionally, the winning party will be treated to a dinner buffet before the game in the Time Warner HD Lounge and receive four signed “Hats for Heroes” hats and pennants and a visit from Stinger during the game. Tickets cost $5 each or 3 for $10 and contributions are tax deductible.

Raffle tickets will only be sold at the event. But you do not have to donate blood to purchase tickets. So, if unable to donate, you can still stop by and show your support by purchasing tickets to win this wonderful prize. The winning ticket will be drawn after the event and you need not be present to win. Lastly, #3 Ryan Salmons T-shirts will be available for purchase at $20 each, while supplies last.

All proceeds from both the raffle and t-shirt sales will benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. Fliers have been created to promote the event. If you would like a flier to post or forward to others that may be interested, or if you experience problems with the e-donor registration site, contact Chris Tucker at chris_p_tucker@ham.honda.com.

* If the Sign Up link does not work for you, simply copy and paste this url in the address bar: www.bloodsaveslives.org

Ryan's Golf Outing Photo's, etc.

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:40:00 +0000

Everyone:

Thank you for participating in the Ryan Salmons Memorial Golf Outing. It was an absolutely beautiful day and a great tribute to Ryan. Through your generosity, we were able to raise almost $12,000.00 to start Ryan's foundation. We also raised almost $500.00 for The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation through the sale of Ryan's #3 Tee Shirts.

We have finally got the golf pictures loaded and accessible on Barry's picture site. Thank you to Greg Bartram for donating his time and expertise in capturing the day in pictures. Ryan always looked forward to seeing Greg at the CBJ games and I appreciate his friendship. These pictures are open so please feel free to save to your computer. If you would like to order a professional photo, Greg and Barry will donate any proceeds to Ryan's foundation.

http://www.agreatpicture.com/gallery/9300809_xZFjc#P-1-15

We have been very busy since the golf outing was completed. We have secured a nonprofit status with The Secretary of State and received our EIN number. We are currently in process for our 501 C 3 status. We have established a website and it is currently under construction. I look forward to keeping you updated as we continue through this process.

http://www.ryansalmonsfoundation.org/

Finally, we have our first recipient benefiting from Ryan's foundation. His name is Matthew Barr and he is four years old. Matthew and his family will be attending "The Wiggles" on August 27th. He and his little brother Darren are very excited about going. Here is a brief bio on Matthew;

Matthew was diagnosed with a PNET brain tumor on Dec. 13, 2007. He had 5 rounds of chemo followed by a stem cell transplant. Relapsed in Jan. '09 - 6 weeks of radiation therapy. Latest MRI in July '09 showed no disease in spine, but still present in brain. Continuing with Accutane for now. You can follow Matthew's story at:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewbarr

Thanks again to everyone that made the outing a great success. You don't realize how much it means to these families going through the battle. On behalf of all of them, THANK YOU.

Brad Salmons
Ryan's Dad

Ryan's story featured in Sunday's Columbus Dispatch

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Salmons) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:26:00 +0000

An article on Ryan was featured on the front page of the sports section in Sunday's Columbus Dispatch (7/19/09). For those of you out of town, I've attached a copy of it here for you.

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2009/07/19/arace_7-19.ART_ART_07-19-09_C1_BAEH19M.html?sid=101

We're really looking forward to the Golf Outing this Friday. I'll attach some pictures of it next week. Thank you so much for all of your support.

~Aunt Amy

Reminder for the Inaugural Ryan Salmons Foundation Golf Outing

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Salmons) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:34:00 +0000

The Inaugural Ryan Salmons Foundation Golf Outing is almost here. Please join us in this great event next Friday, July 24th. Brad has worked with the Blue Jackets Foundation to establish a foundation in Ryan's memory. This golf outing is the first event for the foundation, which will raise money to help ensure families battling pediatric cancer can occasionally enjoy a night out at local sporting events such a Blue Jackets or Clippers game.

The Golf Outing will be Friday, July 24th, at Foxfire Golf Course. It will feature a noon shotgun start with registatration at 11 a.m. The $100 per person ticket includes golf, a cart, dinner, four on-course drink tickets. All proceeds will benefit families of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Cancer Floor (J5).

"Ryan and I constantly spoke about 'The doctors doing the doctor stuff, and I (Brad) would work on the spirit stuff," Brad Salmons said. "Ryan's legacy to the other kids will be the spirit stuff. We could not venture more than a couple hours from Children's hospital. We will not be a Foundation for Disney trips or wishes, but an evening away at home without worry of the financial burden. Clippers, Blue Jackets, OSU sports, etc. If a family enjoys the zoo, we will try to make it happen for the kids."

Event Details
Friday July 24th 12:00 shotgun start
Fox Fire Golf Course - Lockbourne, Ohio
$100 per person. Price includes: round of golf, dinner, driving range balls, 4 drink tickets each
Participation in the silent auction. For more information, please contact Cindy Ackley at cackley4670@wideopenwest.com. If someone dosen't want to play in the outing but wishes to donate to help the families, they can also contact Cindy.

Announcing...The Inaugural Ryan Salmons Foundation Golf Outing

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:55:00 +0000

A repost from The Columbus Dispatch Puck-rakers Blog (http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2009/06/salmons_golf_outing.shtml)

The inaugural Ryan Salmons Foundation Golf Outing will be held July 24 at Foxfire Golf Course.

Salmons, the former hockey player whose courage in the face of terminal illness helped inspire the Blue Jackets, died on May 1 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 19.

His father, Brad, has worked with the Blue Jackets Foundation to establish a foundation in Ryan's memory.The golf outing is the first event for the foundation, which will raise money to help ensure families battling pediatric cancer can occasionally enjoy a night out at local sporting events such a Blue Jackets or Clippers game.

The outing on July 24th will feature a noon shotgun start with registatration at 11 a.m. The $100 per person ticket includes golf, a cart, dinner, four on-course drink tickets. All proceeds will benefit families of the Nationwide Children's Hospital Cancer Floor (J5).

"Ryan and I constantly spoke about 'The doctors doing the doctor stuff, and I (Brad) would work on the spirit stuff," Brad Salmons said. "Ryan's legacy to the other kids will be the spirit stuff. We could not venture more than a couple hours from Children's hospital. We will not be a Foundation for Disney trips or wishes, but an evening away at home without worry of the financial burden. Clippers, Blue Jackets, OSU sports, etc. If a family enjoys the zoo, we will try to make it happen for the kids."

Event Details

Friday July 24th 12:00 shotgun start
Fox Fire Golf Course - Lockbourne, Ohio
$100 per person. Price includes: round of golf, dinner, driving range balls, 4 drink tickets each
Participation in the silent auction

For more information, please contact Cindy Ackley at cackley4670@wideopenwest.com. If someone dosen't want to play in the outing but wishes to donate to help the families, they can also contact Cindy.

A Week and a Day............

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:15:00 +0000

It is hard to believe that it has been over a week since Ryan has left us. During the first few days there was so much to do and organize, I really didn't have time to think. Even the days following the services were busy trying to tie up loose ends. It also has been hard to get back on the blog to update and thank so many people.

The support that so many of you have given our family is overwhelming. Though it doesn't stop the hurt, it does confirm that people really care and want to help in any way they can. Unfortunately, the one thing I need, nobody can give. Thank you to all that attended Ryan's services and the Columbus Blue Jackets for the family dinner afterwards. While it all still seems to be a blur, I feel that Ryan would be proud of the tribute to him. I know that he would be overwhelmed with the amount of people that came to pay tribute.

Today, I was finally able to visit his grave site. It is a beautiful resting place that has an angel statue that overlooks him. I can't help but think it is his guardian angel watching over him.

I will be not be posting anything over the next several days as I will be taking a hiatus. Maybe Uncle Barry will share a little during this time. But working with Wendy Bradshaw and The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, we will be creating a foundation in the near future that will continue Ryan's legacy with families from J5. I always talked to Ryan about the doctors doing the doctor stuff and I would help him with the spirit stuff. Ryan's legacy to his buddies and friends will be the spirit stuff. Once we have all the documentation in place, I will provide more information.

Thank you again to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. While Ryan is home and pain free, we are left to rebuild a new existence without our hero.
-Brad

Reflections of a Special Evening

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Salmons) — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:27:00 +0000

Words shared by Barry (Ryan’s Uncle). Friday at 3:22 p.m. marks one week since Ryan was received by our God in Heaven. Since then, the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, co-workers, the Blue Jackets, the staff at Children’s Hospital and even compete strangers-alike, has been the foundation that we re-build on. But, most of all, the love and support is a testament to Ryan…Of Ryan’s life, Ryan’s faith and Ryan’s hope for us all. I thought I would take a minute to reflect and share a special evening I shared with Ryan early last week.

I was blessed to spend about two and a half hours with Ryan the evening of April 28. This particular evening was very different than other two-hour blocks I spent with him. Why? Well, this time it was just different.

This time, I was alone with him. As you know, Ryan always has a lot of friends around...not this time.
This time, when I called to see if he wanted anything, he said, “Yes” to a Dairy Queen Cherry Mister Misty Freeze. And me to an M&M Blizzard. Conversation and bonding over ice cream…what could be better?
This time, his oxygen levels were way up, even though he had to remove his oxygen mask to eat the cool treat.
This time, when I got there, he was sitting up in a chair…not lying in bed.
This time, he was in a total state of consciousness. That day Ryan slept most of the day and was in a tremendous amount of pain. Much of the day he was mostly out of it.
This time, he wanted to talk...and we did!

You see, this time WAS different. Little did I know the impact these two hours would have on my life. Little did I know that in less than 65 hours he would be gone. This time we spent together was special…We laughed…We cried…We shared. I hope my words were meaningful and comforting to him. I know his words were comforting and inspirational to me. I will never forget this special time with Ryan. Why was I so lucky to receive this special gift?

Ryan’s legacy will continue to live…we will make sure of that! It will live in each of us that knew him well and by many who just know his story. Hold those memories close. Parents and Grandparents, hug your children a little longer and little tighter. Children, let them hug you!

God Bless, Barry (Ryan’s Uncle)

Ryan's Obituary and Funeral Arrangements

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Sun, 03 May 2009 00:36:00 +0000

Ryan Michael Salmons 19, of Grove City passed away Friday May 1, 2009 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family and dear friends. Ryan was a member of Hilliard Southwest Hockey Club and signed a one day contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was recognized as an honorary member of the team. Ryan was preceded in death by his grandmother Marilyn McLaren. Survivors include his parents Bradley W. (Susan M.) Salmons, mother Robin Bowman, sister Alaina Salmons paternal grandparents Carlos and Margaret Salmons and maternal grandfather Richard McLaren. Family and friends may visit Monday from 12:00 until 8:00 PM at Cypress Wesleyan Church 377 Alton Darby Creek Road where funeral celebrating his life will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday. Wayne Beard will officiate with interment following at Sunset Cemetery. The family request that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Blue Jackets Foundation in Ryan’s name at www.bluejacketsfoundation.org. Please visit www.teamsalmons.com to learn more of Ryan’s life and accomplishments. An online guest book to share your messages with his family is at www.spencemillerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with THE SPENCE-MILLER FUNERAL HOME Grove City.

****Ryan had an idea that it would be neat to use Blue Jackets car flags instead of funeral markers on each car going out to the cemetery. We have some Blue Jackets flags to use in the procession, but our supply is limited. If you have one or can find one before the service, please bring it and display it on your car.

Thank you to all that have posted comments. The support we have felt is overwhelming. We really appreciate the prayers and encouragement every person has given over the past year.
-Brad

Ryan Michael Salmons, May 1, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:17:00 +0000

RYAN LEFT HIS MARK!

Ryan Michael Salmons, age 19, passed away and earned his angel wings on Friday, May 1, 2009.

Over the past year, Ryan has fought with perseverance and grace. Many times when he could have been bitter and angry, Ryan carried himself with class and dignity. Ryan was the epitome of courage and strength.

People live various number of years. Some live to be a hundred, some in their 50's and 60's. I truly believe that only the good die young. My son Ryan was GREAT! Over the past year he has touch thousands of lives, many people he never met or knew. We would talk about making a difference and it is not the quantity of time but want you do with the time you have. Ryan could not understand why peoples lives changed because of him. He just continued to fight his battle. I tried to help him understand it is not the fight, but how you are fighting the fight. He just told me that he may never understand why people admire him.

Throughout the journey, Ryan continued to want to do for others. Ryan tried to help parents on J5 when their kids could not verbalize what the drugs did to them. He became friends with younger patients and treated them family. Even when the Blue Jackets signed him to a contract, he turned it into how he could help push the team to the playoffs. It was not about him. That was Ryan's spirit. That is who he was.

I am proud to be his father, friend, and have been blessed by having him in my life. Ryan, I love you with all my heart and look forward to seeing you again one day in heaven.

Once funeral arrangements have been completed, I will post the information on his blog.
-Brad

Thursday April 30th, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:23:00 +0000

It is 1:25am and I am just getting to a point that I can get an update posted. Ryan has been is severe pain in his abdomen and neck. Our hospice nurse had to make a return trip to help Ryan with his pain. Ryan is very uncomfortable at the moment and we are trying to find a position that will allow him to rest and not be in pain.

These posts are very hard because I want to keep you updated, and give enough detail for prayer requests, but not every little detail we face.

Thank you for all of your support.
-Brad

April 28th, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Brad) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:06:00 +0000

Ryan has had a stable day which today is a good day. We had a small issue with his oxygen pumps, but we were able to resolve it with the help of the home health care company. Ryan continues to have pain in his stomach area and in his upper back. Please pray that Ryan is pain free and comfortable during this time.

Thank you for all your calls, emails and messages on the blog. The support you have all shown means so much to all of our family.