Mom Krystal looks on as Ryan unwraps his packages.

Ryan Hadley has cancer. The brain tumor was discovered over Labor Day weekend, and then everything happened so fast. Surgery was performed to remove the tumor, and then he underwent a series of radiation treatments. Now he's got nearly a year's worth of chemotherapy to endure.

Due to the treatments, Ryan is expected to miss a lot of school, but as a schoolteacher, his mom, Krystal Hadley, is helping him to stay caught up on his studies. When he's done studying, Ryan likes playing with Legos. You can tell, because the Lego sets that Ryan's assembled are showcased around the house, despite the fact that right now the Christmas tree is (currently) the focal point.  

Prescott eNews, after learning about Ryan, decided to sponsor a Lego drive for him. And, when the Mile High National Junior Honor Society heard about it, they wanted to join in, too. So, shortly before Christmas, they voted to take some of the money they had earned from various fundraisers, and went as a group to purchase Legos for Ryan along with a variety of gifts for other children in the Prescott area.

In the meantime, some other students at Prescott High School (PHS) spent their lunch hours selling stuffed reindeer as a benefit for Ryan and his family, raising close to $200. Their teacher, Cathy Davis, noted that her kids have also benefitted, from a renewed sense of gratitude for what they have themselves.

And, so, after several attempts to work around busy, conflicting schedules, the Lego packages were delivered to Ryan yesterday, Saturday morning. Accompanying the packages was a cheery-looking reindeer, like the ones that the PHS students had been selling.

Ryan hugs his reindeer, the same one sold by the PHS students.

As we left, Ryan politely said, "Thank you," and shook our hand before sinking back into the round pillow. He's got a long way to go before he's done with doctors and hospitals and chemotherapy, but for the next few days now, he has an opportunity to rest and regain his strength. And, to put together new Lego sets, thanks to some generous kids in Prescott.

Editor's Note

This delivery of Legos was the first of what Prescott eNews hopes will be many. We'd really like to keep him supplied with Legos throughout the year. If you have Legos that you would like to donate, please call 602.325.3463, and someone will pick them up for you. Or you can drop them off at Cornerstone Church, on the corner of Rosser and Demerse in Prescott. There is also a second drop-off location at the Chino Valley School District offices.  

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