Ryan Lamantia was a 6 year old superhero who died from a malignant brain tumor and entered heaven's gates on September 8, 2005. Family and friends formed this public charity to help win the fight against pediatric brain tumors.

Our Mission: 

We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization raising funds for:

1. Pediatric hospitals nationwide researching brain tumors to find a cure. New technology that will improve the overall chance for survival and lessen the side affects.

2. Financially supporting families of needy children in Illinois, to help lesson one of the many strains a family will endure.

3. Accepting donations of brand new toys to hand out to children with cancer. Putting a smile on a child's face is priceless. 

During Ryan's many stays at Children's Memorial he wanted to do what all children do, PLAY! In order for that to happen during his chemo treatments, he could only play in a small room with nintendo games, baby toys & crafts. We would like to add to that playroom for all children to enjoy and be as normal as possible while they are undergoing treatments. We would also like to hand out toys to children with cancer. So, every year in June we will do a toy drive. New toys will be accepted at local participating businesses or you can call us at 847-669-0481 if you would like to donate.

To make a secure on-line donation using PayPal click on the button below

Where does your money go?

All proceeds raised will benefit families who are in financial need of our help due to a serious illness of their child. We completely understand the strain and pressure not only financially, but the physical and mental stress being in a situation like we were in. You spend more days at the hospital than at home, which puts a strain on your paycheck ( it is very easy to use up all your vacation and sick time). The gas going back and forth to the hospital. Ryan was treated at Children's Memorial Hospital, downtown Chicago, the drive was at least 50 miles one way. Add up the cost of gas and it can get pretty pricey. You spend days and nights at the hospital, at one point we were there from Dec. 26 until Feb. 11., food got very expensive. And of course the biggest question many of us parents have heard was, at least you have insurance. Well, it is obvisouly a blessing to have insurance, but you have to keep in mind there are copays for every doctor and emergency room visit ( add up the multiple doctors Ryan visited and it was around 8 at one point). You have the 80/20 split and the chance of insurance not paying because you have to start a phase 1 trial, which could be the only chance you have to save your child's life. Are you not going to try because of money? Add up everything and you can easily get into a $20,000 debt a year. We would like to be able to ease one strain off of a family's situation and make living day to day just a little easier. All families are selected by the board of directors and get referred to us by the social worker at a children's hospital in IL.

The other half of the money goes to Children's Memorial Hospital, Falk Brain Tumor Research Center. With everything Ryan has endured during his 2 1/2 year battle, this is the least we can do for him and for all children who have/had a brain tumor. All board members volunteer their services. 100% of the money raised will benefit our purpose, cause and mission. 

With your donation, not only will you know where it is going, but you will know how it is being used. Your donation goes to families of sick children and to a pediatric hospital that needs your help funding new trials in hopes of finding a cure.