Dearest Friends & Family,
This year, after celebrating our 26th anniversary as partners/spouses in love and life and art, the two of us here at the Ryan & Ryan household are currently facing some serious health challenges, and we need the help of our beloved friends and family if we’re going to survive the coming months and gain access to the specialized healthcare we both require.
Ryan Wildstar now cannot walk without a cane, as he is currently suffering from a very serious herniated disc in his lower spine, which is exacerbated by severe scoliosis and arthritic spurn in the middle of his spine. He is in constant pain and also suffers from severe nerve damage on the entire right side of his body, including zero feeling in his right foot. Previously, he was seeing one of the world's best chiropractors and physical therapists here in Athens, Greece (both of whom work with international Olympian athletes). They have helped him immensely, but due to our financial circumstances he can no longer afford to continue receiving these essential treatments. He may also require spinal surgery at some point in the near future. Ryan has also been facing an ongoing battle with severe diverticulitis (which has posed major challenges in terms of dealing with chronic pain, a highly restrictive diet, lack of sleep and general mobility), and this also requires regular consultations and a range of expensive treatments from a gastroenterologist specializing in this disorder (which has no cure and may also require colon surgery).
Meanwhile, Ryan O'Connell-Elston has been told by multiple eye doctors that he is on the verge of going blind. He has recently been diagnosed with severe glaucoma. He is already legally blind and must wear custom-made eyeglasses (he is minus 11.5 in one eye and minus 11 in the other). Now, however, he lacks nearly all peripheral vision and much of his depth perception, combined with night-blindness and an extreme sensitivity to light. He is extremely near-sighted and can still read and use a computer (in dark mode), but outside of our apartment he struggles to navigate walking without a second pair of eyes to guide him. And if he does not receive a combination of specialist treatment and delicate eye surgery, he has been informed that his condition will continually worsen until he goes totally blind. Unfortunately, he cannot afford to see the optical specialists required to prevent further vision loss and undergo this necessary eye surgery.
Which is why we are asking you for your help during this difficult time. If you’ve been following our Epicurean Vagabonds Substack, then you probably know that we are currently in the midst of finally settling down for (hopefully!) the rest of our lives here in Athens, Greece. Unfortunately much of the specialized medical care we require is not covered by state health insurance.
The reality of our medical situation is simply beyond our financial means at the moment, and if you are receiving this message (whether we are biologically related or not), it is because we consider you to be part of our chosen family. And, like so many queer people, we know that the love of our chosen family is the only way we’re going to survive this transition and overcome our current challenges. We have so many wonderful projects and career opportunities in the pipeline! We know our future will be brighter than this current ordeal.
However, to survive another day, to be able to make all of this happen, we truly need your help right now. This is a massive shift and we honestly can't make it without some help from our beautiful community of friends and family. We love you so much and appreciate every single one of you. Whatever you may or may not be able to contribute, you are all truly beloved by both of us until the end of time.
Love and Blessings,
Ryan & Ryan
