History
The Beginning
This organization is a continuation of what many patient advocacy groups have started; but this particular organization has its roots in my grandfather – Marshall Witt.
Here are two stories which have inspired me to put my life on hold until these changes are realized:
a) My grandfather’s battle for survival
b) Joshua Thompson’s battle for survival, which can be found in this New York Times article
There are many other stories which inspire me to keep at this fight — many of which are those of whom I know will benefit from this. They are people with cancer and ALS, battling for their lives. Every hour, I remember my grandfather’s last breath and remind myself of the other 64 cancer patients doing the very same thing at this very moment. I remember all of the diseases that are a result of multiple molecular or genetic mishaps of our cells; that result in extremely detrimental illnesses. Most of all, I remember my parents and friends — who I know may be the unlucky one to get cancer or any other terminal illness at any minute. I remember that these diseases do not discriminate against the ones I love, no matter what age, race or sex I am.
About Founder
Ryan Witt recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine, where he studied Business Economics and Biology. At Irvine, Ryan graduated in three years time with cum laude honors and an astounding 8 A+s. He arrived in the cancer field when his dog, whom he grew up with, was diagnosed with cancer in High School. He was further reeled in after his grandfather was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. After being caught by the shackles of cancer, he began to study the molecular biology of cancer, immunology and hematology, the signalling pathways of mammalian cells, and the general biology of cancer to better understand the disease and our body’s inner workings. He is an alumnus of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Rotaract club (a subdivision of Rotary International), and a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon and Golden Key Honor Society.
A Message from Ryan:
“I have dedicated myself to solving these issues no matter what barriers come my way. The purpose in creating this organization is to ensure no one has to go through what I went through to learn. With that being said, it is paramount we get this done as soon as possible; because, in every HOUR we waste not sending this to our friends and loved ones, 64 people die of cancer (which is one terminal illness). These issues affect not only these individuals, but many others very near and dear to our hearts. After seeing two of my most beloved friends and family members take their last breath, I am most passionate in this urgency and will stop at nothing until these problems are met with detailed solutions and fortified into tangible actions which reach everyday individuals.”
Contact Information (for Ryan)
Tweet Me: @ryanjwitt
