Young Philanthropist Helps Kids With Cancer By Raising Money for Georgetown’s Family Assistance Fund

(Washington, DC) — Eight-year-old leukemia survivor Ryan Darby of Bethesda and the “Just TRYAN It” Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money for kids with cancer, today donated $87,000 to Georgetown University Hospital’s Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit Family Assistance Fund during an appreciation breakfast. The money will provide financial assistance to families who have a child battling cancer at Georgetown.

Eight-year-old Ryan Darby presents Georgetown University Hospital with a check for $87,000. Pictured from left, GUH President Richard Goldberg, MD; David B. Nelson, MD, chair, Department of Pediatrics; Carrie Norry, president, Just Tryan It; and Aziza T. Shad, MD, chief, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology.

“‘Just TRYAN It’ has just been phenomenal,” said Ryan’s physician Aziza T. Shad, MD, chief, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. “And what the organization has contributed to the well-being of children and families that are fighting childhood cancers every day just cannot be measured.”

Following his own leukemia diagnosis in December of 2009, Ryan and his parents decided they wanted to help other families who had a child battling cancer and in the spring of 2010, “Just TRYAN It” was born. Along with playing an integral role in “Just TRYAN Its” leading fundraiser every spring—a children’s triathlon—Ryan has also advocated for kids with cancer in a number of other ways. He has served as an ambassador for Hyundai Hope on Wheels and recently spoke at the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus hosted by Congressmen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Michael McCaul (R-TX) on Capitol Hill.

Ryan also took the podium at today’s event, where he expressed his gratitude for all of the support he has received since his diagnosis.

“I’d also like to thank Dr. Shad for saving my life,” Ryan said.

Since childhood cancer often becomes not only an emotional crisis for families, but a financial one as well, the “Just TRYAN It” Foundation often donates to Georgetown’s Pediatric Hematology - Oncology Unit Family Assistance Fund. This fund serves to help families in treatment with emergency needs such as transportation to and from the hospital, housing costs, counseling and sibling support.

Leukemia survivor Ryan Darby is all smiles alongside his parents Chris (left) and Mollie Darby (right) and his doctor, Aziza Shad, MD (center).

“The energy, enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of ‘Just TRYAN It’ is a reminder to all people everywhere what can be accomplished by a community of friends and families who band together for a common cause—in this case, to help families who are battling cancer,” said Dr. Shad.

Media Contact: Meggie Davis
Phone: 703-558-1282
Email: Meggie.R.Davis@gunet.georgetown.edu

Patient Contact: 202-342-2400