My name is Mairead Ryan and I am 28 years old from Bellmore, NY. After attending Villanova University and graduating in 2020 with a nursing degree, I became a pediatric oncology registered nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. This was the same hospital I was treated at for bone cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma, at the age of 8. In February of 2024, after being cancer free for 18 years and at the age of 25, I was faced with another cancer diagnosis: stage 4 breast cancer. This diagnosis came as a large shock to myself and my family, disrupting every aspect of our lives. As an avid basketball fan and a dog owner, I enjoy taking my dog Duke on long walks and attending sporting events with my family. I understand the importance and value of the fundraising and awareness aspect of cancer, a large reason why I started “Team Mairead” at the ACS Making Strides Event. I have raised over $100,000 from all personal non corporate donations for “Team Mairead,” something I’m very proud of. I also have been featured in social media campaigns through the American Cancer Society, spreading awareness and hopefully hope to other survivors and thrivers out there. My goal is simple: to put an end to cancer and provide support to those who have fought, are fighting, and are yet to fight cancer.
