11th Annual Ryan House Community Breakfast, which Celebrated the Life and Legacy of Namesake Ryan Cottor and Ryan House, Grosses Over $330,000

Funds raised will provide respite and end of life care to children with life-limiting conditions.

PHOENIX (April 5, 2019) – Nearly 1,000 guests attended Ryan House’s 11th Annual Community Breakfast on Friday, March 29 at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, which celebrated the life and legacy of Ryan House Namesake Ryan Cottor and Ryan House.

The event raised more than $330,000 that will directly support the nonprofit organization which currently relies 100 percent on community donations and cares for Arizona’s most medically fragile children and their families.

Ryan’s parents, Jonathan and Holly Cottor, shared a very special, heartfelt keynote with guests about the last few days of his life as well as the impact that his life and legacy continues to have on so many others. Immediately following, Ryan’s older brother, Ethan, played guitar and sang in his honor. This was the first time that the Cottors spoke publicly since their son’s recent passing.

Hospice of the Valley’s Community Engagement Director, Lin-Sue Cooney, served as the event emcee. This year’s Event Chair was Brittany Harrison. The event also featured the first-ever Legacy Award, in honor of Ryan, which was given to each of the 15 Founding Board members when Ryan House became a reality in 2005. They are Jonathan Cottor, Diane Eckstein, Jon Ford, Dr. David Hirsch, Gerda Klein, Susan Levine, Rachel Oesterle, Dr. Susan Palmer-Hunter, Kris Scardello, Judy Schubert, Charles Scott, Judy Shannon, Faye Tait, Patty Taylor, and Nancy White.

“This year’s event was truly a special one as we celebrated the impact of Ryan’s amazing life on Ryan House,” said Ryan House Executive Director Tracy Leonard-Warner. “There are thousands of people who have all, in one way or another, been impacted by the life and legacy of this inspiring young man who defied all odds and today we were able to share our gratitude and shine a light on so many of them.”

Some facts and figures shared at this year’s event include the following:

· In 2019, Ryan House expects to provide world-class care to more than 200 children through our respite, palliative and end-of-life programs.

· Over 96 percent of our families say that because of Ryan House, they are able to participate in activities that are meaningful to them.

· Over 95 percent say they experience less stress and anxiety as a caregiver.

· In 2018, the Ryan House village consisted of 705 volunteers which totals more than 340,000 hours of volunteer time which equates to more than $8,250,00 worth of volunteer time given to Ryan House.

· Also in 2018, Ryan House had 2,748 donations ranging from $5 – $125,000 with the average donation of $845. The grand total of donations in 2018 was more than $2.3 million.

“Ryan House is more than just a facility; it is an innovative concept in Pediatric Palliative Care,” said Leonard-Warner. “Our world class care is made possible by our supporters and for that, we are truly grateful.”

Ryan House is a safe and joyful place where kids can be kids and families can be families. During respite stays of up to 28 days per year, Ryan House provides everyday childhood experiences, including swimming and sleepovers, to children whose medical conditions make many of these experiences difficult and empowers children to life their best life. As one of only three facilities of its kind in the nation, Ryan House is leading the way for a new model of care in pediatric palliative care.

About Ryan House

With our world-class care and programs, we embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys through palliative and respite care that addresses the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the family, continuity of care from diagnosis to end-of-life, expert care provided by our prestigious care partners and highly-trained staff and a loving community that offers ongoing support and compassion. Ryan House is the only facility of its kind in the state and only one of three in the country. For more information visit ryanhouse.org.