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Upon discovery through medical emergencies my son, Ryan Duane Howard, was diagnosed at the age of 22 with Long QT Syndrome. Our family was unaware of this condition that doctors informed us, would have been with Ryan since birth. As we researched and consulted with doctors and specialists, we learned the severity and factors of this heart condition.

In December 2016, Ryan passed out while visiting family during his break from college. He was rushed to the local emergency room where a heart arrhythmia was discovered. Ryan was then medically transported to the Medical Center of the Rockies, one of the top regional hospitals specializing in heart related conditions. Nearly half of all the patients with Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) never have a symptom, though symptoms include fainting or dizzy spells due to the arrhythmia...which can lead to cardiac arrest or unexplained deaths in family members particularly those under the age of 50. LQTS comes from a family history of sudden arrhythmia deaths or a genetic predisposition for LQTS or some of the various conditions that fall under the category of Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome, SADS.

Upon Ryan's diagnosis, a medical plan was formulated. He was prescribed a beta blocker and a heart monitor was surgically implanted to record and monitor his heart beats. A few months later, he once again passed out while at his house in college. And then again, later that year (2017) during his Thanksgiving break while walking his faithful bulldog, Toby. Over the course of 15 months from his first fainting episode, doctors continued to run tests and monitor him and formulate a continued care plan. This included the consideration of an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator).

Sadly, our son, Ryan, to the surprise of the medical team and family, passed away in his sleep in the early morning hours of March 4, 2018 in his college home at the age of 23. Just two months before his graduation at the University of Northern Colorado. Fortunately, the University of Northern Colorado graciously bestowed and presented his diploma to us (his parents) on May 5, 2018 at the UNC graduation in Greeley, Colorado.

As his mother, I created this website and in conjunction with our family to not only honor Ryan's life but to bring attention and awareness to Long QT Syndrome and to help support other families, family members and individuals regarding sudden arrhythmia conditions and to extend, further the objectives and raise funds for the SADS Foundation. SADS mission is to save the lives and support the families of children and adults who are genetically predisposed to sudden death due to heart rhythm abnormalities.

Ryan's heart will go on forever giving hope for those with an arrhythmic heart condition as we invite all to explore and revisit this site for information, education, resources and donations and contributions to SADS.

June 14, 2018, would have been Ryan's 24th birthday and his family honored him by launching this site. To learn more about Ryan and his story, we have provided a photo gallery and links to his memorial at Find-A-Grave.com where you can add a flower in his honor or find or create one for a loved one of yours. And as well, we have included a link to the SADS Foundation if you would like to make a donation or contribution on his behalf or on the behalf of a loved one.

Our mission is to heal hearts...one life at a time. And your donations, contributions and support at any level will certainly extend Ryan's Heart of Hope with medical research and family support through the SADS Foundation.

I thank you in advance for your support and interest in Long QT Syndrome, Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome in honor of our son Ryan and our mission for Ryan's Heart of Hope for those families with members that have passed and those whom today live, endure and survive with LQTS and SADS.