Today is a very special day. Ryan’s birthday!
My first day of Design class at FIDM, I walked into the computer lab to see this tall dark and handsome angel that I would soon call my best friend. Every day I looked forward to my 8am class because I got to sit next to Ryan, my favorite goofball. Since day one, I was dubbed “Catherine Cardelooooochi-gucci-hoochi” and the name never went away! Ryan lived down the street from me in downtown LA so we spent pretty much every day together during and after class. A likely day for Ryan and Catherine would consist of design, draw, Lakers, Kings, and eat. PIZZA. Tons of pizza! My other best friend in LA, Shelby started FIDM the very next semester and of course was given the beautiful name “SHOOOOBZ” by Ryan. The three of us became inseparable as we decided to plan our schedules together and get all of the same “GD” graphic design classes. My thoughts on school changed from my memories of being made fun of in high school to being upset when classes were cancelled because I wouldn’t get to see Ryan and Shoobz. There is nothing that compared to being in school with my two loves every single day!
Every day with Ryan was like a box office hit comedy. I don’t think there was a time that I didn’t laugh when I was with him. He was a natural comedian that would turn your worst day around into your most memorable. My favorite memories of Ryan were the countless Lakers games we went to together. We both shared a passion (probably better described as; obsession) for the Lakers. We could both list the entire active roster in under 10 seconds, and when we mentioned Kobe, you knew we weren’t talking about beef. We went to SO many games together. It was our happy place!
While on a ski trip in Colorado in December of 2011, Ryan told me the news that he was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma. Leave it to Ryan to be in great spirits and joke about the c word. Like I said before, he could take any situation and turn it into something either hilarious or amazing. Ryan is hands down THE MOST positive and optimistic person I have ever met. His spirits were always high as he continued to fight his battle with Synovial Sarcoma for over a year. Having spent a great deal of time in hospitals and cancer treatment centers, Ryan quickly learned that there were limited options to pass the time. Since a laptop was too bulky, his parents Sheldon and Vicki bought him an iPad so he could use Skype and Facebook to stay connected with his friends and family. Ryan wanted to provide other patients going through treatment with iPads to serve as a distraction to what was going on around them, and with the collaboration of Ryan’s graphic design talent and his brother Dallas’ business skills, United Luv was born.
Dallas (left) and Ryan (right)!
United Luv’s first mission is to provide iPads and tablets to the Oncology floors in the Medical community in his hometown. In order to put the United Luv Project into action, Ryan and Dallas decided to give 10% of the proceeds back to the medical community. Ryan designed the United Luv logo and shirts himself, and the first batch arrived in January. At this time, Ryan who was on oxygen and in a wheelchair got to try on his first United Luv shirt.
Amazing article about United Luv in The Billings Gazette! How adorable is the Eaton family?!
Since February, United Luv has already donated 9 iPads to Billings Clinic and 9 to St. Vincent’s. Both hospitals in Montana (where Ryan is from) were generous enough to match their donation for a total of 36 iPads, which are going into the hands of patients! Such an incredible gift just in time for Ryan’s birthday!
Dallas presenting 9 iPads from United Luv to St. Vincent Healthcare – Billings, Montana!
St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, MT decided to match United Luv’s donation bring a total of 18 iPads into the hands of patients!
iPad donated by United Luv displaying Ryan’s design in the background!
In honor of Ryan’s birthday, let’s spread the Luv!
To celebrate his birthday, 100% of proceeds from sales today are going directly to purchase iPads for patients to use.
It would mean the world to me if you would support this cause by ordering a shirt from Ryan and Dallas’ company United Luv.
Even if you don’t have the budget for a shirt today, please please please spread the word about United Luv to your friends and give them a shout out on Facebook or Instagram! The power of social media is unmatched! #1ThousandLikesForRyansBirthday
This is a cause that is truly dear to my heart, so even if you could take a couple of seconds out of your day to like their Facebook page it would be very special and appreciated.
For each RFFMBT reader that purchases a United Luv shirt, I will personally send you a note and special recipe that will not be posted on the blog! After you purchase a shirt, leave a comment on this post using the same email as your purchase (will not be shown to the public) and I will contact you for your address!
Ryan’s beautiful fiancé Katie! The kindest most selfless girl I have ever met. She is such a strong incredible woman. Truly empowering and inspiring!
Happy birthday Ryan, your dream is coming true!
I love you forever and always!
Mandi pandi
May 15, 2013 at 7:00 pm (12 years ago)I tried to go buy a shirt and it says the size is out of stock! It says it for all of them. Is that a glitch? What an awesome cause to support!
Catherine
May 15, 2013 at 7:10 pm (12 years ago)Hi Mandi!
Oh no, I wonder if there is a little glitch, I’ll ask Dallas right now!
Thank you so much for your interest and support, you have no idea how much it means to me!
Health & happiness xo
Catherine
May 15, 2013 at 9:34 pm (12 years ago)Dallas and I are trying to figure out the store glitch! Was it one specific shirt or size?
Kasey Martin
May 15, 2013 at 7:36 pm (12 years ago)Just bought one…cancer sucks. I’m so happy to support United Luv 🙂
Catherine
May 15, 2013 at 8:43 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much Kasey! I have the biggest smile right now!!! Lookout for an email shortly! xo
Sara
May 16, 2013 at 6:07 am (12 years ago)Trying to Buy one now!!!
Ginger Meier
May 16, 2013 at 7:23 am (12 years ago)Bought my shirt. So happy to help. Thank you for bringing this wonderful cause to our attention.
Catherine
May 16, 2013 at 2:06 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much for your support Ginger! It means so much to me and Ryan’s family! Look out for an email from me tonight! xo
Kathryn W
May 16, 2013 at 7:49 am (12 years ago)Such a fabulous idea. I’m so happy to support it. Can’t wait for my shirt and decal to get here! I’ll also tell my friends!
Catherine
May 16, 2013 at 2:07 pm (12 years ago)Awwww thank you Kathryn (love your name)! I really really appreciate your support and I know Ryan’s family does too! Look for an email from me later today 🙂 xo
Kathryn W
May 16, 2013 at 6:35 pm (12 years ago)We do share a great name, don’t we? 🙂
Natalie
May 16, 2013 at 8:09 am (12 years ago)I love this idea! When my Grandma was on dialysis we got her an iPad to pass the time (mostly by watching John Wayne movies and playing poker). She was the coolest person in the clinic and everyone always wanted to sit next to her. When she passed away a few years ago we donated her iPad to the dialysis center and they still use it every day. Stuff like this makes such a huge difference to people who are suffering. Keep up the good work!
Catherine
May 16, 2013 at 2:10 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much for sharing that story Natalie! I’m so sorry for your loss. What an incredible woman to donate her iPad to the dialysis center! I’m sure she has changed many lives:) I’m so happy you took the time to tell me about her, I can’t wait to share your grandma’s story with Dallas! xo
Emily
May 16, 2013 at 10:31 am (12 years ago)I just bought one! Such a great idea that Ryan had. Thanks for sharing, Catherine!
Catherine
May 16, 2013 at 2:13 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much for your support Emily! I’m so speechless right now! Thank you for making a difference 🙂 Check for an email from me later today <3
Bailey
May 16, 2013 at 12:50 pm (12 years ago)Hi! This is such a wonderful thing! I can’t wait for my green angle shirt to come! Thanks for spreading the word!
Bailey
Catherine
May 16, 2013 at 2:14 pm (12 years ago)Awwww thank you so much Bailey! I can’t wait for you to get your shirt either! Ryan’s family and I really really appreciate your support! Thank you for making his birthday so special! Check for an email from me later today <3 xo
Kimberly
May 17, 2013 at 7:50 am (12 years ago)Hi Catherine! I haven’t bought one yet, but I am planning on it especially because I grew up about 40 miles from Billings and still live in Montana. I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now (found it through pinterest) and was so surprised to read this one and see a screenshot of the Billings Gazette website! Thank you for sharing Ryan’s story and spreading the news about this great cause!
Catherine
May 23, 2013 at 11:37 pm (12 years ago)Awww that’s so cool! Thank you so much for your support! xo
Kimberly
May 24, 2013 at 1:14 pm (12 years ago)I officially bought one now! I’m looking forward to wearing it 🙂
Catherine
May 25, 2013 at 4:28 pm (12 years ago)You’re amazing! Thank you so much, you have no idea how much it means to me and Ryan’s family! Check your email 🙂 xo
Meg
May 17, 2013 at 9:09 pm (12 years ago)Hi Catherine,
I love your blog- so inspiring. In August 2011, I made the plunge to take better care of my body and lost 30lbs. This past March, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It’s been a very difficult and heart breaking 2 months and I’ve let myself go quite a bit. I’m finally getting back into my routine and taking better care of myself- physically, emotionally, and mentally. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I love the recipes you post and this post really hit home. I bought a t-shirt in honor of Ryan and to support my pops! xoxo
Meg
Catherine
May 23, 2013 at 11:36 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much Meg! I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, but am so proud of you for continuing your journey! I just sent you an email 🙂
Erika Surmi
May 18, 2013 at 7:52 am (12 years ago)This is such an amazing story! I was also surprised to see this story come up on your blog because I am from Montana as well and there aren’t too many posts that come from this area. It’s nice to see you spreading Ryan’s amazing story! Love your blog and your inspiration!
Missoula, Montana
http://www.happywholesome.blogspot.com
Catherine
May 23, 2013 at 11:39 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much for your support Erika! I’m so excited you stopped by to comment 🙂 xo
Angella Pizzo
May 23, 2013 at 6:40 am (12 years ago)Just made my first purchase….glad to help spread the good word and rock a very cute shirt in the process:)
Catherine
May 23, 2013 at 10:12 pm (12 years ago)Thank you so much Angella! You are so amazing, I’m emailing you right now 🙂 xo
Melissa Bowen
May 24, 2013 at 6:31 am (12 years ago)I wanted to say that this post was absolutely amazing. I am kind of a new blogger and I wanted to let you know that I mentioned and shared United Luv’s website and your blog. I am so impressed with how they send hand written notes when you purchase an item and I think it is so great that you are so passionate about this subject. The world could use more people that care 🙂
oh and I love your blog, if you ever want to check mine out and give me tips that would be great:)
http://littlebluedress4change.blogspot.com/
Catherine
May 24, 2013 at 10:18 am (12 years ago)Thank you so much Melissa, you are so sweet! Thank you so much for sharing my blog and United Luv, you have no idea how much that means to me! The hand written note is my favorite 🙂 It’s amazing what a big impact a personal note can give us! It’s so special! Did you get a United Luv shirt?
P.S. Thanks for sharing your blog! I’m going to check it out right now! xo
Melissa Bowen
May 24, 2013 at 11:59 am (12 years ago)Thank you so much for replying, this was the first time I have ever commented on a blog so I didn’t really know. I ordered a sticker last week (and it is now on my car) and I LOVE it. I waited to order a tee shirt until this weekend. I also have a few friends I have been telling them about it and so hopefully they will purchase one too. I just love things like this. They always give me a great feeling! Have a great Memorial Day Weekend. & thanks again for responding 🙂
Catherine
May 25, 2013 at 4:32 pm (12 years ago)Awwww that makes me so happy! I love hearing from readers and always try my best to respond! I got a decal for my car too 🙂 I want to send you a little something for your support, check your email 🙂 xo
Jan
May 27, 2013 at 1:44 pm (12 years ago)First: I love your blog! You share the best information (especially recipes)! Second: This is such a great cause I just had to get a T-shirt! I am a nurse and know first hand how important it is to help patients remain positive and upbeat! It’s wonderful that you are keeping your friend’s memory alive and supporting his mission!
Catherine
May 27, 2013 at 4:14 pm (12 years ago)Awww thank you so much Jan! I’m so happy you found my blog and are enjoying the recipes! Thank you thank you thank you for buying a shirt! I really appreciate it, and it totally made my day that you bought it on Memorial day! I’ve been thinking of Ryan a lot today 🙂 Check your inbox for an email from me! xo