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!
Toning my arms on the Teacups! haha just kidding!
