Ohio Teen Battles Cancer While Maintaining a Zest for Life

Ryan Salmons, a very brave and insightful terminally ill 19 year old traveled to Vinton County April 18, to visit family, and realize a dream. A motorcycle brigade from the Columbus area rode to Vinton County High School to meet Ryan, and share their love of motorcycles. Salmons was a happy and healthy 18 year old when he began having problems with his hip. The teen had just returned from a trip to Florida, and first assumed the discomfort was related to the many hours spent in the car while traveling. The discomfort persisted, which led Salmons to visit a chiropractor. Salmons was eventually advised to undergo an MRI, to determine the cause of the pain. Due to his age, good health, and subsequently clear x-rays and blood work, the doctor cancelled his initial MRI.

Salmons pain increased, which led to further medical evaluation. Early one summer morning, the young man received a phone call from his doctor telling him to get to Children's Hospital immediately, he had cancer. The teen and his family were shocked by his diagnosis, began a long series of treatments and surgeries to battle the disease. Countless chemotherapy treatments were not able to remove the tumor Salmons had in his hip. An additional tumor near his spine, and a brain tumor later developed. Salmons was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Alveolar Rhadbomyosacroma.

The ability to walk diminished, with Salmons aided by a walker during the time period his strength allowed him to be mobile. Through the yearlong hospitalizations and surgeries, Salmons never spent a night alone in the hospital. While hope for recovery faded, the brave young man became determined to live every minute of his life to the fullest.

"He is just a wonderful young man, who has such determination and strength," Salmons' grandmother, Margaret (Ward) Salmons stated through tears at the McArthur event. "I just don't know how he has managed to keep going and smiling through all of the pain he has had to endure."

Salmons was awarded an honorary contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team, which held a special event for the young man during a recent game. Salmons is an avid Blue Jackets fan, and played the sport in high school. A salmon, being a typical teenager loves cars. Corvettes are the ride of choice for Salmons, who was escorted to the game at Nationwide Arena against the Red Wins by a group of corvette owners from "that state up north". The Blue Jackets players, along with Salmons good-naturedly chided the Red Wings fans, but appreciated the effort to make the game special for the young cancer patient. Salmons always dreamed of owning a Corvette of his own, and enjoyed riding in one his grandfather owned, when he was a young boy. Salmons' grandfather recently purchased a Corvette for Ryan to enjoy riding in while he was still able.

Salmons other love is motorcycles, which was the focus of the event held in McArthur. Salmons had hoped to ride to the high school on the back on one of the motorcycles, but due to his weak physical state, and the amount of pain medication he was required to take, was unable. The smile which spread across the young man's face as the scores of bikes rode into town was brought both reciprocal grins, and tears from the family and friends, which has assembled for the event.

"He has tried to cram so much, a whole lifetime really, into the time he has left," Salmons' uncle, Beanie Ward remarked. "So many extended family members and friends came here today, to spend time with Ryan. Some have traveled from as far away as South Carolina."

Salmons' health continued to raise concerns while the special motorcycle day drew nearer. According to Margaret Salmons, Ryan was concerned he wouldn't be healthy enough to attend the event.

"I think Ryan is prepared for death, but isn't ready," Margaret Salmons said. "He has planned his own funeral, selected the casket bearers, and asked his dad, Brad, to find a cemetery plot. Two of the Blue Jackets players will carry Ryan to his final resting place that whole organization has just been beyond wonderful to Ryan. No one can comprehend how this still smiling young man can make it through every day with such a jest for life, while being in such mounting pain."

Ryan routinely attends church services at the Leave a Mark church in the Columbus area. Additional information regarding Salmons can be found at www.teamsalmons.com the website is updated often, and details this teenager's brave fight against cancer.