First things first… we are blown away by the outreach of love, support, prayers and good vibes by all of you. There is no way we could thank you enough for the strength and energy that is coming our way. In many ways, you all have changed the way we look at this world and have already given Ryan a huge head start in this war. With family flying in from Indy and Los Angeles, we have spent the last couple days as a unit, compiling all of our research and mapping out treatment options. We hope to finalize Ryan’s treatment plan within the week and make our way to the front lines. Ryan could not have a bigger group of badasses helping him make the decision of his life.
Several Atlanta restaurants (Muss & Turner’s, Local Three, Empire State South and Five & Ten) to name a few have added a line to the bottom of their guest checks, calling it “Round Up for Ryan”. They are allowing patrons to round up their bill to help us fight this fight.
In addition, there will be a fundraiser on January 27th with live music featuring Yacht Rock Revue and huge participation from some amazing Atlanta Restaurants (Abattoir, Floataway Cafe, Bacchanalia, Muss & Turner’s / Local Three, 4th & Swift, Brick Store Pub / Leon’s Full Service, Rathbun’s, Taco Mac, Canoe, STG / Bocado, Miller Union, No. 246 / The Optimist, Double Zero Napoletana / The Iberian Pig, Restaurant Eugene / Holeman & Finch, Rosebud, Southbound, Noni’s, Empire State South, Cakes & Ale, Greg Hardesty with Recess in Indy, Six Feet Under, Octane, Honeysuckle Gelato, Fox Brothers BBQ / The Big Tex) just to name a few! Holy Shit! WTF!? As if this wasn’t enough, there will also be a live auction during the event with some unreal lots.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
To follow Ryan’s progress and to stay in touch, our dear and gracious friends have put together a home base at http://teamhidi.org/. Please reach out as often as you would like to say hello. You can view pictures and videos, obtain event information, receive medical updates, offer donations and review contact information. You can also post comments and well wishes for Ryan wherever you find the “leave comment” icon.
We will be back in touch soon with more updates and progress. Again, no words can express how much we appreciate the support and help from all of you.
Now go. SPREAD THE WORD!
With all our love.
Jen + Ryan
Thinking of you both each and every day and praying for strength, grace, and love to lift you up!
Ryan,
You don’t know me, but I know your brother Scott well. We have worked together for years. He is ilke family, so you are too. I send you all the positive energy and love I have to give and please know that my family and I will do everything we can to support you and your family. It is truly beautiful to see the outpouring of love from your family and friends. Please know that you have ours too.
Ryan,
You don’t know me, but I know your brother Scott well. We have worked together for years. He is ilke family, so you are too. I send you all the positive energy and love I have to give and please know that my family and I will do everything we can to support you and your family. It is really inspiring to see the outpouring of love from your family and friends. Add our love to that beautiful collection.
Ryan and Jen – Just want you to know that there is constant thought and prayer coming to you from the hills of VT. I know this seems like unreal consequences, yet I believe in the power of shared consciousness. I have never witnessed a coming together of so much support so quickly with so much courage and resolve. It is a testament to your kindness, humility, talent and gratitude. I will continue to pray for an believe that greater days are ahead for Ryan + Jen + StapleHouse.
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” Louis L’ amour
All my heart. Chris Goss
Jennifer,
We are praying for you both! We wish you the best!!
Take care,
Love,
John & Gaye
Hi Guys,
On Saturday, I wept in the dining room at M&T when I found out.
There are so many things I want to say and ways to try and help.
Sending a lot of love and good vibes your way.
ab
Hi Ryan and Jen! Your family are in my thoughts. I remember you barely knew me when I was working at Abattoir and you brought some extra Berkshire Pork Pozole and gave me a share. Not only was it KICKASS but very kind of you. I recall your family dining on the patio and I told your mom that I support your family and HUMBLE/great chefs. I am going to continue to support and spread the news and hope the universe returns it with love/great energy/and all the tools you need for a speedy recovery! <3 Linh-Mae
I don’t know you personally, but I am sending my best thoughts and wishes to you on the road ahead. I was diagnosed with cancer one year ago this month and I can somewhat empathize with what you are going through. You will be in my thoughts.
Dear Ryan & Jen,
When I read your story, I burst into tears. As a cancer survivor (5 years!) I know what lies ahead for you, sigh, and while it won’t be easy, you will come out of it at the other end knowing what you are truly made of.
In the meantime, if you need a someone to make a bowl of soup (though I am totally intimidated to cook for a chef) or wash the dishes, just let me know.
I’m a strong believer in paying it forward as I would not be here if it were not for the unconditional support of my husband and my mother. I’m glad that you are part of such a supportive community.
Attitude is everything. Well that, and following doctor’s orders. We’ll be there at the fundraiser, pulling for both of you.
A single index finger tap to the nose 3 times. It means what?
It’s Beer time.
Heard, Chef.
I forgot to mention that we listen to music online through this website in Santa Cruz,CA…plays wonderful artists, and there’s nothing better to keep the spirtis up than listening to music!!
We’ve been regulars at M&T’s since the get go and altho I don’t know if we’ve ever officially met, you can count on our support. We fought the big C fight with both my mom and pop so we have first hand knowledge of what the family goes through. Keep the chins up, and I might add, a sense of humor doesn’t hurt, so I’ll end with this quote…
I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
~Dr. Seuss
See you on the 27!!
You can add Bluebeard to your round up list. We ‘ll get details from Greg. Abbi and I love you guys and are keeping you in our thoughts. Stay strong!
Ryan and Jen: We have not met, but I read your story on a friend’s post on Facebook. Many blessings to you both on your journey to wellness. I know so many will be inspired by your attitude and desire to beat this, and I know no better cure for anything that ails than love. It is wonderful to see your community rally around and support you. Bring in the troops!!!
Hi Ryan and Jen! This is Ryan Smith’s sister Betsy here. I just wanted to let you know that I have been keeping ya’ll in my thoughts and will continue to! Sending so many positive, healing, loving vibes to you and envisioning every cell in your body radiating health and vibrant light. May the force be with you! Love,
betsy
Ryan,
You and I met many years ago (I’m fairly sure) at M&T. I heard of your condition today from Karen Bremer. As I write this, I have chemo coursing into my system at Northside, my 2nd 5-day session. We’ll find out on the 22nd if it is working, which means we’ll go another 4 rounds, followed by 25 radiation sessions, and surgery. I have a Stage 3, High-Grade Spindle Cell Sarcoma–a rare cancer–in my upper left leg the size of 2 softballs.
I’m telling you all of this because I’m right with you in your fight–we both have families, and we both have spouses who are like angels as we move through this. In fact, I think they are bearing the worst–they are the real victims.
We share a bond now (beyond our food/wine brotherhood) which we want to know as survivors. I want to put that shirt on you so you can continue to inspire, lead, and feed those around you. Beyond good doctors, staying positive is an amazing medicine because it reflects back onto you as if everyone you meet is a mirror.
I’m totally here to talk if you want–just call our main number 770-668-0435, ask for my wife Lelia, and she’ll give you my cellphone.
Best Regards,
Michael Bryan
Hey Ryan and Jen,
Scott and I are sending all kinds of love,prayers,support,and good Karma your way.Go,fight,win! We are with you both all the way!
Cheers,peace,and love!
Ryan & Jen-
Sending you lots of love and strength. You guys spend your lives bringing joy to so many other people…may you feel everyone’s love during this time. This is part of one of my favorite Rumi poems:
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
-Rumi
We will definitely be there on the 27th…you are both amazing people that make this world a better place and I have so much faith in your ability to make it through this in your positive, inspiring, loving way…
Ryan,
Although we haven’t spoken in many years, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember your courageous spirit and determination to overcome any obstacle in your way. You will beat this. Much love……Go TEAM HIDI!!!!!
Ryan,
The Boutte Family has you in our thoughts and prayers. We truly admire your strength and courage!
Ryan, I’m praying for you!!! Oh my gosh, you have such an amazing support group of fighters on your side! Stay strong team HIDI!!!
If anyone has the spirit and the heart to kick this disease in the face, it’s you Ryan! Sending more love and prayers from Indy to TEAM HIDI!
Fight like hell brother, we love you both. I know for a fact you will be fine.
Jen, remember me, flower girl from Star P? Hello from Australia! Just heard about Team Hidi…we are shocked, but thinking of you and sending big-hearted well wishes.
Ryan & Jen
As I review the comments throughout this website from friends and total strangers, I quickly realized… The enormity of the battle ahead is easily “trumped” by the overwhelming strength of the love, kindness, generosity and blessings conveyed on this site.
You are both loved deeply!
ryan + jen…you both have been in our constant thoughts and prayers. please know that so much love and light is coming your way from team lupo!
Ryan my brother, I love you man. You two hang tough and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! Love you.
Ryan, if I got through this I know you can. (And probably with a lot more grace than I did.) Hang in there and try to stay positive. Be your own advocate with the doctors. And screw the statistics. Go Horse!
this email from you made our life. an HUGE smile crossed our faces michele. we really missed being in indy this year. we will put a pint of beer sitting on the welly bar on our vision board… something to look forward to!
thank you!
jen + ryan
Brother Ryan! Happy to see your smiling face in the new year, and though a few more obstacles to face in this one over years past, I am here to support to you in any way you see fit. keep your head up and stay the course. There is a LOT left to be done…
Missed you two @ the Welly this year for the holidays. I will be thinking of both of you.