MS Bike Ride was a success!

Ryan's team (Ren's Riders) raised over $26,000 for last weekends MS Bike Ride in Logan!!! He and I each rode the 40 miler and it was an amazing day. Thanks to everyone who helped and supported the event. It truly meant a lot to us both.

Sonia

Great News

Ryan had his second visit with his MS doctor yesterday and his latest MRI showed significant improvement over his first. Several of the lesions on his brain and spinal column have stopped and some have gone the other direction. We are so happy for this news and hope that it continues as Ryan tries to fight this battle with all that he has. Thanks to all of you for your love, support, and prayers.

Sonia

MS Bike Ride donations

Hello Friends,

Ryan is going to try to ride in the upcoming MS bike ride on June 26th in Logan. He plans to raise money for MS research as long as his health allows with hopes of finding a cure. He's trying to raise $10k this time. If you'd like to donate, here is the link (copy and paste it into your browser):

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/UTUBikeEvents?px=8089934&pg=personal&fr_id=12531

Thanks!

Sonia

P.S. I know times are hard for many people so we won't feel the least bit offended if you don't donate.

MS Walk Fundraiser!!!

Ryan is going to "attempt" to walk in next week's MS Walk fundraiser in Salt Lake City. Our team, "Walking for Ren" is trying to raise $10,000. Plus, Ryan's employer, Wasatch Advisors, is matching every donation you make dollar for dollar, so we could potentially raise $20,000. If you would like to donate, copy and paste this url below into your browser:

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Walk/UTUWalkEvents?team_id=208140&pg=team&fr_id=13283

Once you are there, click on "Donate to Team!" next to the thermomoter. You can put in your name or do it anonymously. Print at the end to get a tax write off. Thanks so much for all of your love and support!

Sonia and Ryan

I shot a 75 yesterday in North Carolina!

After the doctors told me it could be months before I walk, or would need to walk with a cane...also that I may not be able to golf again, I am extremely excited to say that my golf game has returned! My doctor is in shock at how well I have recovered in such a short period of time...something he thought was not possible. Most all of my symptoms of MS have temporarily gone away. I will be receiving another MRI in July to see if the damage on my brain, brain stem, and spinal column has remained the same or at least slowed down. Until then, I continue to have a positive outlook on life and am enjoying every day to the fullest.

I hit a bucket of golf balls today!

Just to give everyone perspective on my progress, I actually hit a bucket of golf balls today, in a snowstorm nonetheless! And yes, I sort of suck but that will change as I get used to my new body. The doc didn't think this would happen, at least not soon. The heck with what other people think...

New ABC story on possible cure for MS

http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story/Possible-cure-for-MS-could-be-one-trial-away/PUXL8AzzG02VEtJPdMGo8w.cspx?p=Comments

Click on video link to right to watch.

First Doctor's Visit Today

Ryan and I saw Dr. Foley (MS Specialist) for the first time today. Mixed reviews but left with optimism that there are good treatments that can really help slow down the disease. Also hope that there seem to be a lot of potential new treatments coming in the next few years that could really help. All and all, we find great hope that Ryan will live a long life full of happiness with a few physical limitations. Many of you will be happy that you will likely kick his butt at golf now!

Ryan should be released from the hospital by 3:00 p.m. or sooner today. He has made great progress with the physical therapist and will continue to meet with one from home.

lastest MRI

The results from today's latest MRI indicates spots on Ryan's spinal column which could indicate potential motor skill problems that may affect other parts of Ryan's body. Aggressive drugs will be administired to slow down the advancement of the issues.

For more information regarding MS. Please visit: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx

This is Sonia Ren, Ryan's wife, and we have set this blogsite up to keep friends and family informed as to Ryan's current health condition. Thank you for visiting. Ryan has been preliminary diagnosed with the same disease that killed his father, Multiple Sclerosis. This has all happened in the last couple of days and with no prior signs or indicators of the disease. Ryan has been in the emergency room twice this week and is undergoing intensive treatment and testing to try to combat the progress of the disease.

Over the past weekend, Ryan experienced a number of attacks on his nervous system where the right side of his body went into seizure-like convulsions. It felt as though his right side of his body was in a full charlie horse and lost the ability to speak or control his body for 30 seconds. The episodes continued and are unbelievably painful. Ryan was admitted to the ER on Monday and again on Wednesday.

We started this blogsite to keep friends, family, and collegues informed about his condition. We will do our best to update this blog as often as possible with the most current information as we receive it. The initial MRI's show siginificant lessions to his brain and spinal column. Right now, he has the ability to walk and use his limbs which he is extremely thankful for.

Ryan is currently at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray on the 14th floor and is expected to be released Sunday or Monday.

We are asking those of you WHO WISH to participate in a special PRAYER and FAST on SUNDAY, MARCH 7th for Ryan's health.

Ryan wants everyone to know how extremely grateful he is that he has been chosen to bear this heavy load and hopes and prays that he will be able to see to live his children grow and be able to be a provider to them (our 4th child is due next month). He is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from family and friends and has much reason to be thankful for the wonderful life he has lived up until now. His faith in God and His Plan of Happiness is the overriding strength that give him hope for a better future. Right now, Ryan is gaining great insights into the Atonement of Jesus Christ and feels thankful that he is learning a firsthand appreciation of what Christ went through for each of us so many years ago. He knows He not only bore our sins, but also our pains and infirmities so that he can fully understand our trials and burdens and help us through them in this life.

Thank you so much for visiting this site, and being the great friends that you are, and we will update as soon as we are able. Your thoughts/emails/texts, etc are welcome. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! email: rren@wasatchfunds.com