About The Ryan Waldheger
Research Memorial
RWRM Mission Statement
Ryan fervently wanted young adults with cancer to benefit from his experience. He spoke of a bridge between pediatric cancer care and adult cancer care. He wanted care that was not a political compromise between the two, but a rational approach designed for young adults, matching their unique bodies, minds, and situation in life.
To this goal, RWRM’s mission is to Promote and Support:
1) Private, public and political initiatives in cancer research, clinical trials, and protocols specifically aimed at the treatment of young adults with cancer.
2) The redesign of existing in-patient and out-patient treatment environments to better meet the physical, psychological, and social needs of young adult cancer patients.
3) Collaboration among adult and pediatric oncologists, adult and pediatric hospital units, and other care givers, to implement separate young adult cancer units.
4) Education and support of young adults, and their families, who are fighting cancer together.
In pursuing this Mission, RWRM will consistently follow Ryan’s own approach: We will not pity Ryan, or those young people who must face the experiences of cancer. Cancer’s challenges are a part of life, and life is good, as long as there is Hope.
If you would like to learn more about Ryan’s Foundation you can email us at info@rwrm.org.
As a young organization with a rapidly growing base of individual and business donors, we are inspired by Ryan’s positive attitude and message of HOPE that was a key to his personal happiness. Ryan faced tough situations and never quit. There’s a part of Ryan in all of us, reminding us to do what we can, always believe, and that each day is a gift.
Board Members:
Becca Waldheger, Chairperson
Ronald Waldheger, President
Patricia Waldheger, Director
Tessa Waldheger, Director
Michael P. Coyne, Director
RWRM is a member of the LIVESTRONG® Young Adult Alliance