ESU's Ryan Smith visits his teammates weeks after release from hospital

[WarriorVoice]

Diagnosed with Leukemia in August, it was an incredible sight to see the young man at Koehler Fieldhouse on Saturday night. He's about 55 pounds lighter than when he last played, but his determination and spirit are formidable. He'll be introduced at every home game this season, showing the respect his teammates have for him. #Smith5Strong

[Chuck Norris]

[Roundball76]

May the prayers of many people help this young man recover .

[jrshooter]

Dammit.

https://lancasteronline.com/sports/l...kwjI9gEDZ17pRU

[IUPalum]

Ugh, prayers are with the kid!

[jrshooter]

Ryan had surgery yesterday. Here is a page for updates.

Ryan | CaringBridge

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Ryan had surgery yesterday. Here is a page for updates.

Ryan | CaringBridge

Any word on how he's doing?

Pulling for him ...

[WarriorVoice]

As of the 29th...Ryan is back in ICU and his vitals are good. They cleaned his quad and ended up taking about half of his one quad muscle. He will have permanent muscle atrify. The other 2 main muscles looked good. They are scanning his belly, pelvis and thigh tomorrow to make sure they don't see anything concerning. He lost a lot of blood but transfusion made him stable. She said that what he has is a very serious and life threatening condition called necrotizing fasciitis. The way they treat people with this condition is multiple surgeries for cleaning and checking for additional dead muscle. She estimates 3-4 more surgeries for him with a few days in between each.

[WarriorVoice]

Ryan Smith was moved out of ICU after undergoing surgery. His procedure was not dissimilar to what Alex Smith went through in recovery from his leg injury. He came off of a ventilator and enjoyed some real food. He still has many hurdles to overcome but his will and inner strength are incredible. Ryan, stay relentless!!

[WarriorVoice]

Although another surgery is scheduled for later today (2/16), Ryan did get out of bed yesterday, and took a few steps with the help of a walker and four therapists. He said it felt great to be upright!

[jrshooter]

Certainly not the post we hoped to present.

Although Ryan has not passed as of this hour, he is in his final days.

https://twitter.com/kraftsmanship/st...42693108207619

[Scrub]

Really do appreciate the update, JR, despite it not being the kind of news we've all been pulling for. What a strong and brave young man. Such a tragedy.

[Chuck Norris]

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Really do appreciate the update, JR, despite it not being the kind of news we've all been pulling for. What a strong and brave young man. Such a tragedy.

Seems like yesterday he was playing against West Liberty at the KCAC.

[jrshooter]

Gang, I remember seeing him at Heiges Field House two years ago and was convinced he was THE next big man in the PSAC. Crushing -- and, of course, for reasons far beyond basketball.