Ryan J. Hanrahan had a phenomenal childhood. Family, friendships, and sports were the cornerstones of Ryan’s life.  He was a gifted athlete playing golf and baseball for his high school where a large number of significant friendships were formed.  

In 2015 after graduating from college, Ryan began an account management position with Rhino Shield near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it was a close high-school friend from his tight-knit community who hired him. Things were looking positive for Ryan’s future. 

In the summer of 2015, Ryan was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma (GBM) brain tumor – the same disease that has taken the lives of John McCain and Beau Biden.  When doctors shared this difficult news with Ryan and family – his parents asked him what he needed immediately.  His response: a puppy. They adopted Shea who was always by his side.  

That September, Ryan was admitted to the hospital with his body fighting off viruses caused by a weakened immune system.  Despite being in the hospital for six months he never gave up hope. 

On December 14th, 2015, just shy of his 31st birthday, Ryan passed away. His close friends Justin Burau, John Rozwat, John Cleary, Danny Byrnes and Brock Ullrich started a golf fundraiser called The Grabowski Scramble in the fall of 2016 to honor Ryan and raise money to combat GBM’s. This event has raised over $122,000 to date. 

On this GBM Awareness Day, we honor Ryan’s memory as we work together towards a cure for GBM.