Ryan was just 21 when he was diagnosed with DIPG – an inoperable brain tumor last November. He was treated at Henry Ford with chemo and radiation. Ryan has a wonderful personality and has touched many different people’s lives since diagnosis. His facebook page (over 1,800 fighters) called Fight with Smeegz has and continues to inspire many. Our community rallied around us and sold team shirts and they had a spaghetti fundraiser and silent auction in January to help with treatments costs. Since his treatment was successful (Henry Ford is the BEST!!) Ryan has decided to go back to school and become a counselor so that he can work with sick kids who are battling diseases like cancer. Ryan’s attitude before, during and after has been amazing. He continues to say that he is following God’s path for his life and that whatever that path is that it is the right one. Bracelets were also made for Ryan’s battle which said Fight with Smeez and his favorite bible verse…Philippians 4:13…I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. People continue to wear them as support. He has never complained once and always has a smile on his face and a friendly word to share. Ryan has been an inspiration to our whole family, he has reminded us that family is most important and that God is in control. He visits sick children in our area that are going through treatment as he feels he can relate to what they are going through. This has been very helpful to the parents of the sick children as Ryan is able to explain much to them about what they are feeling. We are huge MSU fans and the MSU family has definitely rallied around him. He is friends with Connor Cook and has met many of the football players as well as Former Quarterback Kirk Cousins. Yesterday on ESPN Connor Cook talked about how he gets his motivation and inspiration off the field from Ryan Smigiel. Said no matter what you are going through things can always be worse. God is good and we feel blessed!