“I’ve just come up against a bit of experience….experience is a brutal teacher.  But you learn, my God you learn!”  --CS Lewis

Mike fell and was seriously injured while washing windows on a commercial building, but that wasn't the only "curve ball" life threw at him. Click "Read More" to learn about his story of survival and recovery. 

We're grateful to Jacob's family for providing this adorable photo of Jacob snuggling with his Ryan's Lion.  If you have a photo of your Ryan's Lion you would like us to post, just shoot us an email and attach your photo.[/caption]

Carolena Flint, one of our generous lion sponsors, died on August 6, 2009 after a truly courageous battle with cancer. Carolena was one of the first to embrace the Ryan's Lion™ cause, and donated generously to provide lions to others. If you are lucky enough to be a recipient of a lion with the name "Carolena" embroidered on the collar, you are holding a tangible piece of her effort to lift and comfort others, even in the midst of her own suffering. Click "Read More" to discover why Carolena's favorite quote was, "Life is all about what you do with Plan B."

The Ryan's Lion Organization regularly donates "Courage Lions" to hospital Newborn Intensive Care Units. Meet one of these special infants by clicking "read more."

I recently participated in the Live wElle 5k and fun run put on by the family of one of our lion sponsors (see Elle's Story Lion # 110). Hundreds of people attended the event to support the Live wElle Foundation. After the race, my mom related to me a powerful experience that she had while running the 5k.

What do you do when you suddenly realize at age 60 that your husband's business is facing bankruptcy? He has, until the last year or so, operated a fairly successful medium-sized business. Our living had been adequate to have a nice home, a few interesting trips. We were able to make good contributions to our church. We supported community programs. Our social life, though not lavish, was comfortable and we enjoyed entertaining friends. We found pleasure in furnishing transportation for Boy Scouts and other youth groups to their camping grounds, etc.

We are so grateful to our friends and sponsors who made the Ryan's Lion Fundraiser such an overwhelming success!

We especially thank the following contributors:

 “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. -Helen Keller ”