A hospital experience can be terrifying and traumatic for both a child and their family. While others strive to find a cure, Ryan’s Case for Smiles helps with the stress and emotional impact of illness in the here and now. Our whimsical pillowcases give children an emotional boost, while resources and tools help families better understand and cope with the experience.

WHY OUR WORK MATTERS

A hospital stay can be a terrifying experience for a child – especially those with cancer and other life-changing illnesses. Recent research indicates 20% of children who are hospitalized with cancer and 30% of their mothers suffer full symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These rates are comparable to that experienced by U.S. War Veterans serving since the Vietnam War. The good news is trauma can be minimized and outcomes improved through experiences that reduce stress.

Ryan’s Case for Smiles (formerly ConKerr Cancer) was founded in 2007 to bring comfort and support to young patients and their families in hospitals around the globe. We started with a simple goal: to create and distribute whimsical pillowcases that give children an emotional boost and remind them that they are not defined by their illness. Today, our programs have expanded to include the children’s entire families so they can better navigate and cope with a very difficult experience and avoid long term emotional trauma. To ensure the highest quality care, we have partnered with PTSD experts at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children to create valuable web-based information and tools designed for each member of the family’s unique experience.

Ryan Kerr, the inspiration behind ConKerr Cancer, was a remarkable young man. Ryan’s battle with cancer began when he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the age of twelve. He fought through five cancer recurrences, 30 months of chemotherapy, 15 surgeries, the amputation of his right leg and over 150 days of physical therapy. Ryan’s sickness never slowed him down from living the active and adventurous life he loved. Ryan constantly challenged himself with new things – skiing, biking, skateboarding, rock climbing, scuba diving, cycling – mastering each new skill with courage, grace and aggressiveness.

His friends and family were always amazed with his energetic attitude through the exhaustion and pain. Many people do not understand the daily difficulties that were a normal part of Ryan’s routine, such as putting on his leg or trying to maintain his lifestyle through chemotherapy. As a student, Ryan’s curiosity and kindness stole the hearts of all his teachers. He was eager to learn, partake in class discussions, improve his photography skills and spend time with his friends. Throughout his battle, he managed to stay engaged in his studies and graduate from high school. Ryan never wanted his cancer to separate him as an inspiration or provide him with special treatment. He loved wearing his red high-top Converses, so now we use them as a symbol of his vibrant energy for life.

Ryan saw beauty in everyone and everything. He was a young man with wisdom and maturity far beyond his age. He learned to be a deeply compassionate, thoughtful young man with a wicked wit, a winning smile and the world’s best hugs. Most of all, he lived his life with such joy and courage that he inspired thousands of people in our community and around the country. His memory, inspiration and light will forever live on in our hearts and in the legacy he leaves through our daily work at Case for Smiles.

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