Ryan Thomas Wilcox

Ryan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the tender age of 3. He battled for 4 years before Dr. Micheal Levy (Children's Hospital San Diego) performed a life saving, miracle surgery by removing his tumor. He was cancer free for 9 years. Then, at the age of 16, he was diagnosed with Leukemia, a secondary blood cancer.

Ryan was loved so dearly by those he held close and while many will remember him for his valiant battle with cancer, he would want to be remembered for who he truly was. Ryan was a senior at Grossmont High School. He loved movies, music, dancing, bowling, being a Boy Scout and was an incredible son, brother and friend. Although his time with us was short, the lessons he taught were immeasurable. His strong passion for life and ability to smile in the face of adversity has changed the lives of so many.

His peers at Grossmont High School created #RyanStrong in honor of his courage and his strength. Ryan coined the quote , "Strength doesn't really come from your muscles. It comes from your spirit, and your heart and love" which is the embodiment of who he truly was.

Ryan leaves behind his parents Michael K. Wilcox and Amy S. Parcell Wilcox, and 3 loving sisters Katelyn (20), Bailey (15) and Hallie (10). He is also survived and deeply missed by his great grandparents Thomas Perry of La Mesa, Joyce Wilcox of La Mesa, Celesta Clark of Overbrook, KS. Grandparents Kent and Susie Parcell of Yuma, AZ, Kent and Karen Wilcox of El Cajon, Chuck and Zelia Steinmetz of La Mesa. His loving Uncles and Aunts, Curtis and Stacey Parcell, Bryan and Renee Parcell, Aaron and Cassie Parcell. Cousins Kyle, Jack, Mackenzie, Henry,Kylie and Macie. He was preceded in death by cousin Nathan Parcell.

Funeral services for Ryan Wilcox will be respectfully private. A Celebration of Life will be open to the public and held on September 21 at 2:00pm at Shadow Mountain Community Church in EL Cajon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ryan's memory may be made to the foundations that directly impacted his life. They brought him so much joy and this would make him very proud.

The Seany Foundation www.theseanyfoundation.org known for "Camp Reach for the Sky" a camp for kids affected by cancer.

Friends of Scott www.friendsofscott.org known for the "Unforgettable Prom"