Ryan Tyler Kirkby

He loved music with meaningful lyrics – Imagine Dragons was his favorite band. He loved to play chess, read (especially Calvin & Hobbs), and laugh and sing with his friends… and in the absence of his friends, with his stuffies. Ryan had a contagious laugh and a sophisticated sense of humor (with a heavy reliance on sarcasm and comedic timing). He was known for his insightful remarks, independent mind, and strong will. His adventurous spirit drove him to explore new food, experiences, and adventures. Ryan LOVED animals - his three cats at home and the hundreds of stuffed animals for whom he cared, having cataloged their names, birth dates, photos, and “occupations” in his iPad contact list and requiring special birthday desserts for many of them on their special day. An only child, his constant companion was a stuffy named Foxy - to know Ryan was to know Foxy. Ryan had a big heart and dreamt of being a veterinarian so he could help as many animals as possible (his radiation countdown chart featured animal stickers and The Incredible Dr. Pol). We are convinced that Ryan (who has only lived in Virginia and California) chose his favorite NFL teams solely because of their animal mascots (Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, and Seattle Seahawks) with the exception of the New Orleans Saints - in honor of his school, Saint Stephens and Saint Agnes.

Like most kids his age, he loved running around outdoors, dancing, singing at the top of his lungs regardless of lyrics or tune, swimming, and playing with his friends. Previously an energetic kid, DIPG confined him to a wheelchair as it stole feeling from his left side, forcing him to stop attending school and instead to watch YouTube and play Roblox as best as he could with his one working hand. The internet provided him a much-needed escape from the realities of his DIPG symptoms, vast quantity of medication, hospital visits, loss of friends, and the constant presence of his parents—particularly SSSniperWolf, Mr. Beast, and Haminations -- offered him a realm where his physical restrictions didn't slow him down.

DIPG is an aggressive inoperable brain cancer affecting mostly children between 7-9 years old with a median survival of 9 months. It is terminal upon diagnosis. The standard treatment has not changed in 60 years. It steals a child's ability to walk, talk, swallow, use their limbs, hear, see, and eventually breath, all while the child remains cognitively aware. During Ryan's 18 month fight, he battled two rounds of radiation (42 days/sessions), 5 surgeries (a brain tumor biopsy, 2 PICC lines, a tarsorrhaphy, and a central line), pneumonia, and the side effects from the two clinical trials in which he participated (Children's National and Columbia University) involving novel/experimental drugs, delivery systems, and chemotherapy. Ryan endured countless pokes, unsedated MRIs, and the side effects from radiation and steroids. Ryan continues his fight against DIPG and contribution to science through his post-mortem tumor donation.

Ryan leaves behind his parents, Christy & Stuart Kirkby, his beloved stuffed animals, especially Foxy, Fennec, and Sherborne; his grandparents, Allison "Grammy" Wenrich, Diana & Allan Sims, Peter & Maggie Kirkby; his Auntie Kimmy & Uncle Scott Allen, Auntie Lauren & Uncle BJ Niederauer, beloved cousins Lizzie & Hailey Niederauer, Auntie Jessica Kirkby, Auntie Tanya & Uncle Derek Evans, cousins Lizzy, Kate & Carys Evans, his Uncle Steven & Auntie Sarah Kirkby, and cousins Archie & Amelia.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be made public upon final arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Donations be made in Ryan Kirkby's honor to fund pediatric brain cancer research, particularly DIPG. Ryan is a Founding Family with Tough2Gether Foundation. Donations can be made on-line to this 501(c)(3) charity at: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjEwMjQ5 or checks can be mailed to Tough2Gether Foundation, 1600 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502 "in honor of Ryan Kirkby".