Joann Ryan's Fundraising Page

I am not a runner. And until 2 months ago, I really didn’t think I’d get through this Half Marathon in Auckland. My initial reason for running was simple – peer pressure. My boss challenged my peer team from Pumpkin Patch to train and run. After going on-line and realizing the run was for the Heart Association, I knew I had to run, for Mandy, Ashley, David and my sister, Susan.

In April 2002, my sister lost the love of her life to a heart attack; this amazing, funny man who was a father, a husband, a teacher, a coach, an uncle, and a friend. Paul was only 42 years old.

He was doing what he loved; playing golf with three of his players. It was his calling to coach and develop kids. Kids loved him, and he loved them back. The crowd at his funeral was too large for the church to hold and mourners spilled onto the lawn and sidewalk outside. The high school held a Memorial service that night designed to celebrate Paul’s life. I sat listening as heartfelt, farewell messages written by grieving students were read aloud. Paul - their coach, their teacher, their friend. You couldn’t help but love Paul; he could make you laugh in an instant, but held you accountable to being the best you could be. The new high school gym was later named the Paul Bohan Hornet Gym in his honor.

In year one, it was the year of “firsts.” At Thanksgiving, my sister, nieces and nephew arrived at my home in DC, wanting to be anywhere but where the memories were. We went to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC for the first time. But it was their first Thanksgiving without Paul. At Christmas, my family started a new tradition; we spent Christmas at my parent’s beach home. Anywhere, but where the memories were. But again, it was the first Christmas without Paul. And the year of “firsts” continued…birthdays, New Year’s, Easter, and the anniversary.

But, it was also the year we realized he was still keeping an eye on all of us. We would find pennies in the oddest places, or at a time when we really needed a lift in spirits. We’d say, “Pennies from heaven, Paul is looking out for us.” My daughter, Brittany, and I still find a penny and think of Paul.

I watched Mandy and Ashley graduate from college; both from Paul’s Alma matter, Sam Houston State University, and grow up to be strong, fun women. Ashley now teaches and coaches swim team. My nephew became an amazing golfer, taking after his dad, and a basketball and football player too. Mandy was married to her high school sweetheart, Kendal, in 2010 and David walked his sister down the aisle. Ashley will marry Michael in June and once again David will step in for his dad. My sister speaks on behalf of the American Heart Association and continues to live one day at a time, with Paul watching out from above.

This horrible disease takes so many lives each year. We must find a cure. If you can’t run or walk, then give. Gather your pennies and give to this amazing charity so that someday we’ll find a cure for this disease.

Help me as I join the race to beat heart disease.

I've signed up as a Heart Racer to raise money to support the Heart Foundation. By donating through my webpage you will be helping the Heart Foundation continue its vital work in research, cardiac rehabilitation, education programmes and resources.

I'll do all the hard work (train for and complete the event), but I really need you to make a difference, So, please could you sponsor me?

Select the "Make a donation" button below. It's simple, fast and totally secure and the money goes directly to the Heart Foundation's bank account.

So please help me today! And pass it on to your family and friends!

Many thanks for your support!
Joann