This month, the Children’s Cancer Center is proud to announce The Ryan Callahan Foundation as our March Partner of the Month. The Ryan Callahan Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Ryan and Kyla Callahan to make memorable experiences a reality for kids who are battling, or who have survived, pediatric cancer. Most notably, the Ryan Callahan Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the Children’s Cancer Center’s Restoring Inner Strength & Energy (RISE) Program. Designed to introduce families to an active lifestyle with attainable nutritional goals, families have loved coming to the center for movement nights and nutrition workshops.
When Ryan was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning 2014, his family moved quickly to make their mark on the community. From financial assistance through The Two Four Club, to in-home services through Cally’s Comforts like haircuts and spa treatments, Ryan and Kyla have provided nothing short of unforgettable experiences for countless children and families. Because of their generosity, we are able to provide so many families with the resources they need to cope with their child’s life threatening illness. At the Children’s Cancer Center, we believe children need more than medicine to be well, and the Ryan Callahan Foundation brings this premise to life.
Last month, the Callahan family joined us for street hockey with the Lightning as their community development team came to the center and hosted a street hockey clinic during one of our RISE nights. On one of the most special nights of the year, we were honored to help grow the game, offer moments of mindfulness, and fuel families with a healthy meal after moving around. While the children were taught to keep their sticks down, they were also reminded to always keep their heads held high. Thank you Ryan and Kyla for the gift of strength, support and hope.