Ryan Marie Boykin March 4, 2004 – July 1, 2007

Meet Ryan

When Ryan was born on March 4, 2004, a ladybug sat watching over her on her hospital door—a symbol of delight. Ryan was such a sweet and happy little girl from the moment she was born. There was never a morning when she didn’t wake up with a big smile on her face and a giggle in her voice. She was always so pleasant and playful and could steal your heart with the slightest of glances. Whenever you were in her presence, she had a way of making you feel so needed and loved.

Learning was one of her greatest joys. She had an ability to remember the smallest of details and spoke with an amazing vocabulary. She was always inquisitive and never accepted an easy or quick answer. Ryan was a diligent observer, always insisting on getting the best viewing spot. Helping with even the most boring chores was just as much fun to her as playing in the park. She loved people and simply wanted to be surrounded and included at all times.

Ryan was a gift like no other, and her loss is immeasurable. The impact she had on so many people in just a few short years is a testament to who she was and to the beauty and joy she brought into our lives.

Ryan was a healthy, happy three-year-old until the last week of her life. After spending the weekend laughing and playing, she was unusually tired for much of Monday. By Tuesday, she had developed a fever and nausea. On Wednesday, June 27, 2007, she was seen by her pediatrician and immediately sent to the nearest hospital.

Within a few hours, Ryan was airlifted to Georgetown University Hospital suffering from acute liver failure. The following day, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her liver never recovered, resulting in severe brain trauma. After just five days in the hospital, Ryan passed away in my arms while her Daddy held her hand.