I met Ryan in 2005, when we were both freshmen living in the same dorm at the University of Oregon. We spent our college years attached at the hip, from Eugene, to Europe, and back to Autzen Stadium. We both graduated in 2009 – I with a degree in graphic design, Ryan’s in economics & business.
I immediately landed my dream job in Eugene working as a designer for the U of O’s Duck Stores. Ryan found a job at a local bank intending to pursue a career in finance.
In the years following graduation we shared countless experiences and joys while managing to settle down in a one-bedroom apartment a few blocks from campus.
In January 2011 Ryan was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer & began treatment immediately. We stuck together.
On July 1, while on a weekend trip to visit our parents in Bend, Ryan dropped down to one knee and asked me to marry him. I dropped to both knees and said yes.
Wedding planning was put on the back burner while we focused on Ryan’s health.
This September, a kitten wandered through an open door and into our lives. We named him Boots, he became our constant little companion, even in the hospital.
November marked almost a year after Ryan’s diagnosis. After three different intensive chemotherapies, a major surgery at USC in LA, lots of doctors, and too many nights in the hospital, Ryan’s treatment was discontinued. We were told there wasn’t anything else we could do and his prognosis was about six months.
One thing that remained very important to us was to get married. We set a date for 2 months out and began the planning. Before we got very far, Ryan’s health took a turn for the worse.
The first week in December we visited Ryan’s doctor because of severe pains in his stomach. Some of Ryan’s organs were beginning to shut down and his doctor explained that he might only have a week or two left.
With three days notice and the incredible help of friends, family, and some dear angels we were able to do the thing we wanted to most: We got married. We held a small ceremony on December 11th in Bend, Oregon.
It was December 5th when they told us about 2 weeks. We continue to cherish every moment together as husband and wife.
