I had quite an afternoon and evening yesterday so I didn't have a chance to post about Eddie Ryan. Andi beat me to the punch so I'll direct you her way. She has a link to the lady who called my attentio to Eddie so be sure to check that out as well. Nutshell: Marine SGT Eddie Ryan sustained injuries in Iraq that doctors thought would kill him. He earned a Purple Heart and he has a long road ahead of him. In true Marine fashion, he's battling back. His home needs bigger halls and a wider bathroom if it is to accomodate him during his recuperation and rehabilitation. This is where we can make ourselves useful.
His family is looking at 6-8 weeks before Eddie is ready to come home and needs help securing the $90-100,000 necessary to retrofit the house.
A comprehensive look at Eddie is available at his website.
Today is pay day so I'm stopping by to help take a few dollars off the total. Remember, like Mom in America says, "It doesn't take a lot, but it does take all of us."
Melinda,
My husband and I are best friends of the Ryans and set up the web site that you are directing your friends too. Right now, Angie, his mother is exhausted and overwhelmed by all that needs to be accomplished. She has not left Eddie's bedside since flown to him in Germany. Almost 9 months of living in a cramped little hospital room with one eye always open watching Eddie has taken its toll. The kindest, most compassionate, generous and beautiful person I have ever known is struggling daily to help her son. Her husband Chris works everyday including Sat., to help pay the enourmous bills the family is and will be incurring. Between, working constantly, driving back and forth the two hours to the hospital he also is just exhausted. Don't think they complain though, they truly don't and they never ask for anything. We just had to help without asking them or they would tell us don't worry about it. I think they finally realize they are going to have to start accepting people like you and others generosity, warmth and compassion and allow us to care for them. This boy (the kind you DO want your daughter to marry) bravely went out to fight for us and now needs us to fight for him. From the bottom of my heart I thank you and they thank you. Without people such as yourself I don't think they could make it not just financially but spiritually as well. Please know that every email, every donation every offer and word of thanks to Eddie is printed out and given to them. Angie wants to personally respond to each person but obviously at this time cannot, we are trying to convey their thanks and appreciation for them.
Again, many thanks and prayers to you and your family.
Kristie Hodas
Posted by: Kristie Hodas | 26 January 2006 at 08:19 AM
The VA will help with $50K for modifying/purchasing a house for Eddie he (or his family) can contact the VA rep at the hospital or in the local phonebook.
Posted by: Chuck | 26 January 2006 at 05:56 PM