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

  • $5,528

    Raised

  • $5,000

    Goal

  • 37

    Supporters

  • 0

    Days Remaining

Recent Transactions

  • Elaine Simon

    $50.00 / 49 days ago

    Just spent a week with your mom and I am so impressed hearing about your journey!

  • Lynn Joliet

    $25.80 / 52 days ago

    Ciara, woohoo! You are doing great! 🌟👏🌟

  • Carlo Terlizzi

    $103.20 / 52 days ago

  • James Hunnicutt

    $51.60 / 52 days ago

    Congratulations Ciara! We couldn’t be any more proud of you! What an amazing and incredible achievement! Way to go, girl! Jim & Candy.

  • Mackie Kazdoy

    $51.60 / 104 days ago

  • Jen Svreck

    $103.20 / 108 days ago

  • Elizabeth Weller

    $51.60 / 108 days ago

  • Anne Gomez

    $103.20 / 109 days ago

    Be careful and good luck! Thank you for helping a great cause!

  • Irene Morello

    $103.20 / 109 days ago

    Hi! Ciara, Your Mom, Carmen & my daughter, Jennifer were best friends at Mt. Carmel Catholic High School. I am honored that part of your ride is dedicated to Dr. Larry Ross, my late husband who died of pancreatic cancer. God speed & May He protect you in your ride. My prayers for your journey. Irene Ross Morello

  • Lizzy Zinn

    $51.60 / 109 days ago

  • Kimberley Holcomb

    $51.60 / 109 days ago

    So nice to meet you this evening! We are so proud of what you are doing. Best of luck!!!

  • Jocelyn Watson

    $103.20 / 109 days ago

    Cici, you are an inspiration! Sending loads of energy and good vibes as you ride, and wishing you success to every milestone. You got this! Cheers, Jocelyn Svrcek-Watson

  • Meyer Zinn

    $25.00 / 124 days ago

  • Maria Escobar-Garza

    $51.60 / 140 days ago

    You got this, Ciara! Hook ‘Em! 🤘🏻

  • Jeanne-Marie Gisellu

    $51.60 / 157 days ago

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

  • Anonymous

    $445.00 / 189 days ago

  • Kathy Higgins

    $51.60 / 200 days ago

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

  • Elizabeth Fulghum

    $206.40 / 234 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!

  • Maura Ryan

    $18.58 / 273 days ago

  • Carlos Garcia

    $51.60 / 278 days ago

  • Anonymous

    $103.20 / 289 days ago

  • Lory Martin

    $51.60 / 289 days ago

  • Mackie Kazdoy

    $25.80 / 290 days ago

  • Lucero Boyles

    $30.96 / 290 days ago

  • Norma Perez

    $25.80 / 290 days ago

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

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.