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Ciara Ryan

Ciara Ryan / 2024 Team Fundraising

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I'm from Dallas, TX. Growing up, I was a pretty active kid. I started off in gymnastics, however that was cut short because I lacked the flexibility necessary to excel in the sport. I fell in love with swimming, and a lot of family vacations were marked by an annual race that occurred between my dad, my twin, and myself. I would always lose, not because I wasn’t fast enough, but because my dad would pull me under the water if he thought I had a chance of winning. 

I was raised to value my health, be grateful for the opportunities I’ve been afforded, and do what I can to help others. One of the greatest contributing factors to an early diagnosis is access to equitable healthcare. Illnesses like Cancer continue to disproportionately affect marginalized populations, with Cancer mortality rates being the highest in Black and Indigenous communities. 

I have family and friends, near and far who’ve experienced grave loss due to Cancer, one person in particular being my close friend Jackson. Jackson recently lost his dad to Cancer, a loss that no one anticipated. As tragic as this loss was for Jackson, his resilience and  strength is nothing short of admirable. 

One of my most memorable childhood experiences was visiting London in 2011. Besides the usual touristy stuff, my family got to visit one of my dad’s old friends, Ciara O’Connor.  My mom named me after her because she was always a good and loyal friend to dad and an early advocate of their relationship. Ciara died of Cancer the following year so that trip will forever hold a special place in our hearts.  

My 92 year-old grandfather, who survived his wife of 60 years, two revolutions, and a dozen hurricanes says that life is for the living, yet that the memories of those who have gone before us and their bravery in the face of illness, pain, and trial can serve as the light that keep us going. I’ll ride for them, but also to remind myself that I can be a light and a voice for others. 

To Alaska and back,

Cici Ryan

  • $4,654

    Raised

  • $5,000

    Goal

  • 25

    Supporters

  • 85

    Days Remaining

Recent Transactions

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    Maria Escobar-Garza

    $51.60 / 12 days ago

    You got this, Ciara! Hook ‘Em! 🤘🏻

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    Jeanne-Marie Gisellu

    $51.60 / 29 days ago

    Will cheer you on in Dallas and send love and prayers for the remainder of your ride!

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    Anonymous

    $445.00 / 61 days ago

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    Kathy Higgins

    $51.60 / 72 days ago

    So proud of you, Ciara! Thank you for making a positive contribution to cancer awareness!

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    Elizabeth Fulghum

    $206.40 / 106 days ago

    So proud of you committing to doing this challenging ride. I am a cancer survivor and my son is as well so this is a cause dear to my heart. We feel so blessed to have had access to great care in Houston and I hope the money you raised helps those in underserved communities as this can make a huge impact. I'm rooting for you! Stay safe and can't wait to hear all about your amazing ride!

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    Maura Ryan

    $18.58 / 145 days ago

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    Carlos Garcia

    $51.60 / 150 days ago

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    Anonymous

    $103.20 / 161 days ago

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    Lory Martin

    $51.60 / 161 days ago

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    Mackie Kazdoy

    $25.80 / 162 days ago

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    Lucero Boyles

    $30.96 / 162 days ago

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    Norma Perez

    $25.80 / 162 days ago

    Thank you for doing this. God bless you always. Go Longhorns!!!

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    Kim Dumaine

    $25.80 / 162 days ago

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    Crista DeLuzio

    $51.60 / 164 days ago

    Best wishes, Ciara, to you and the whole team!! We are honored to support you in this important cause and will be cheering you on throughout your journey.

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    Stacy Kutter

    $102.90 / 181 days ago

    Ciara! Our family is so proud of you!! Much love and good luck you amazing girl! ❤️

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    Kerri Rice

    $205.80 / 181 days ago

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    Stephanie Jones

    $100.00 / 185 days ago

    Ciara! What an exciting and worthy endeavor you are embarking on . I know it will take a lot of time and energy but I also know you are up for the challenge! We will be cheering on you and the team the whole way. Love ,the Jones family

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    Sylvia Fernandez

    $51.45 / 185 days ago

    You are amazing! Such an inspiration. Wishing you a safe journey muneca!

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    Marni Kerner

    $41.16 / 200 days ago

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    Jennifer Hampton

    $267.54 / 200 days ago

    We fully support your ride and your commitment to this cause!! Much love, Jenn and John

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    Amine Sakrout

    $102.90 / 205 days ago

    you got this

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    Anonymous

    $161.00 / 212 days ago

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    Hope Franco

    $257.25 / 215 days ago

    What a beautiful tribute Ciara. Our donation is in honor of Nick Franco, Jackson’s Dad! You are an amazing woman!!!

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    Anonymous

    $193.38 / 218 days ago

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    Anonymous

    $1,979.52 / 218 days ago

About Ciara Ryan

Hey y'all! My name is Ciara (pronounced Keer-ah) and I'm from Dallas, TX. I have a twin sister named Maura and a very lovely dog, Sushi Ryan. My family all lives in Houston, so I spend every long weekend I can on 290. I'm a current Senior majoring in Speech Language Pathology. In addition to SLH, I'm getting two minors in American Sign Language and Disability Studies. On campus, I'm involved in communication council and two labs. Outside of school, I work as a Teaching Assistant at a school for children who have primary language-based challenges. I love all things classic rock, green, anything resembling a clearance section, and I'm super passionate about disability advocacy. After my time here on the 40 acres, I hope to pursue a graduate degree Speech Language Pathology with a research focus on Augmentative and Alternative Communication.