Help Ricky Walk Again: chronic GVHD took his mobility, but treatment is giving him hope
Ricky is only 15 years old, and Chronic GVHD has taken away his ability to walk.
After surviving cancer and years of life-saving treatments, he is now fighting to regain his strength — and your support can help him continue the treatment that has already begun and gives him hope.
Ricky’s Fight Isn’t Over
Ricky has spent his young life fighting battles most people will never face.
But beyond the medical challenges, Ricky is a 15-year-old with an incredible spirit and a personality that lights up the room. He is known for his positive attitude, quick wit, and sense of humor. Even during the toughest moments, Ricky is often the one cracking jokes and trying to make the people around him smile.
Ricky loves building and creating with his LEGO sets, watching anime, and spending time with his beloved pets — especially his Maine Coon cats and his loyal Labrador. Those small moments of creativity, laughter, and companionship have always meant the world to him.
From a very young age he endured serious medical challenges, cancer treatments, and life-threatening complications. Through it all, Ricky has shown incredible courage, resilience, and determination.
But today he faces one of the most difficult challenges yet.
Because of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Chronic GVHD) — a severe complication that can occur after life-saving cancer treatments — Ricky’s immune system is now attacking his own body.
This disease has caused devastating damage including:
• severe muscle pain and spasms
• debilitating bone and nerve pain
• gut complications
• chronic fatigue and weakness
• and now loss of mobility
The heartbreaking reality is that Ricky can no longer move the way he once could.
Simple things many of us take for granted — standing comfortably, walking, running, and playing — have become daily battles.
When you ask Ricky what he wants most, his answer is simple:
He just wants to move again and play like a normal kid.
And that’s what we are fighting for.
A New Hope Through Advanced Treatment
Recently, Ricky began specialized treatment with doctors who believe there is still hope.
With the help of the incredible medical team at Holtorf Medical Group and support from Forgotten Formula, Ricky has started advanced therapies designed to help repair the damage caused by chronic GVHD.
These treatments focus on:
• regenerative medicine
• immune system repair and support
• reducing inflammation and chronic pain
• cellular healing and recovery
• improving strength and mobility
The treatments have already begun, and for the first time in a long time our family is seeing hope again.
But these treatments come with a difficult reality.
They are not covered by traditional insurance.
Why We Are Asking for Help
When someone you love is suffering, you do everything you can to help them.
Ricky’s treatments have already started because we believe he deserves every possible chance to regain strength, mobility, and quality of life.
However, these advanced therapies are expensive and ongoing.
Your donation will help:
• pay for Ricky’s ongoing treatments
• support specialized medical care
• fund regenerative and immune therapies
• cover travel and treatment-related costs
• allow doctors to continue helping Ricky regain strength and mobility
Every single donation — no matter the amount — helps Ricky continue receiving the treatment that is giving him hope.
Every Donation Makes a Difference
Every act of kindness helps Ricky continue fighting.
Some people give $10, others give $50 or $100, and some are able to give more to help cover larger portions of treatment.
No matter the amount, every donation brings Ricky one step closer to continuing the care he desperately needs.
How You Can Help Ricky
If Ricky’s story touches your heart, there are three powerful ways you can help:
❤️ Donate — Every contribution goes directly toward Ricky’s treatment.
📢 Share this fundraiser — Sharing Ricky’s story helps it reach people who want to help.
🙏 Keep Ricky in your thoughts and prayers as he continues this fight.
Please Donate and Share Ricky’s Story
With compassion, community, and support, we believe Ricky can continue receiving the treatment that may help him regain strength and mobility.
If you’re unable to donate, sharing Ricky’s story could help it reach someone who can.
The person who helps Ricky the most might be only one share away from seeing this.
