Inspiring Hope and Independence: Ryan’s Recovery Story

At just 2-years-old, Ryan was rushed to the hospital with a 105 degree fever and at one point, he stopped breathing. He ultimately survived, and this remarkable perseverance was indicative of what he would show when faced with difficult challenges in the years to come. Ryan’s resilience along with a helping hand from a United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) partner agency willed his ability to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals.

Ryan’s pursuit of stability

Shortly after Ryan’s near fatal experience as an infant, he and his family faced additional challenges with his health. He began having frequent seizures and was later diagnosed with autism. As a child trying to navigate the immense challenges that came with having developmental disabilities, Ryan longed for acceptance and a sense of belonging which was hard for him in his younger years.

“He was playing in a game and as he was running around first base, he fell and had a seizure and some kid stood over him and was laughing while he was having a seizure,” said Gene, Ryan’s father. “So, it was tough for him trying to make friends and it was hard trying to put him somewhere that made him feel included instead of standing out because he had a disability.”

Despite these challenges, as Ryan grew into his teenage years, things got better. He had an infectious, upbeat personality that allowed him to socialize and make friends, he continued to play sports, excelling in football, and he also did well academically which led to college acceptance into the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) SUCCEED program that focused on helping neurodiverse students.

After living on campus and completing the SUCCEED program, he moved back home with his parents where he began to face new challenges. He struggled to adjust to life after college and adulthood.

With no one at home during the day, his idleness led to mischievous behavior. Though his infractions were minor, his current mental state worried his parents.

“He got into trouble during the day with silly little things, like he wrote his name in our neighbors’ concrete driveway, he got some free tickets for a wrestling match from T-Mobile and went around the neighborhood and sold them, in fact he sold one to a police officer,” said Teresa, Ryan’s stepmother. “He wasn’t intentionally trying to get in trouble, but it caused problems for Gene and I because we had to deal with everything he had done when we got home from work.”

Teresa and Gene knew it was time for them to find a place that could help Ryan live independently. He was eager to find his own living space, but he needed guidance and supervision beyond the scope of his parents.

After searching for organizations that could provide him with the support he needed, Teresa and Gene came across UWGSL partner agency, Emmaus Homes, which began Ryan’s path towards stability. 

Emmaus Homes provides housing for people living with disabilities and are paired with Direct Support Professionals that help them learn, grow, develop, reach their individual goals and assist them with activities of daily living. Ryan, Teresa and Gene took a tour of one of the houses that Emmaus had available for Ryan, and they immediately knew it would be the perfect place for him.

“From the minute we walked in that house, we knew that this would be the one,” said Teresa. “The house was super close to Gene and I which was great. We met with the staff and Ryan hung out with them and they were really nice. Overall, it just seemed like the right fit.”

Ryan moved into the house soon after the tour and his transformation began almost immediately. He has secured employment opportunities that celebrate his unique talents and abilities, formed meaningful friendships with his housemates and dedicated staff that support him daily, and has achieved one of his biggest goals which was taking more control of his healthcare.

He attends his doctor’s appointments by himself and manages his own pharmacy pickups. To help him manage his daily medication independently, the Emmaus support team installed a Spenser Smarthub, an innovative medication-dispensing device, that ensures Ryan receives the correct dosages at the right time.

After just one year, the partnership between Ryan, his family, and the Emmaus staff has created a foundation that fosters Ryan’s independence while ensuring his safety and happiness.

“I love the Emmaus staff and my roommates. They make me happy,” said Ryan. “I love being able to do things I like to do with my friends, they are all awesome.”

Teresa and Gene are proud of how far Ryan has come given the lifelong obstacles he has endured.

“Most parents want their kid to be happy, successful and confident and that’s what we see in Ryan now,” said Gene. “To see where he was before to where he is today makes me so proud of him. He keeps progressing more and more, and we hope that continues.”

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Rodney Humphries
Rodney Humphries