our story

Ryan was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma at age 18, months after signing a baseball scholarship with Colorado Mesa University. His dreams were put on hold to fight for his life. While in the hospital for intense chemotherapy, Ryan’s nurse navigator explored wish-granting opportunities for him. He began planning a trip that served as a distraction while he endured treatment. He was left heartbroken when he heard that, due to his age, he did not qualify for most organizations. Shortly after, Ryan had surgery to remove a large tumor in his right leg in August of 2015. Ryan came out of surgery with the idea to start the 17 Strong® Foundation, granting “Victory Trips®” to young adults like him that are often in the forgotten age group. Ryan outlined and drafted our organization and its mission from his hospital bed.

After more intense cancer treatment and therapy, Ryan moved to Colorado to officially begin his college and baseball career in January of 2016. His baseball team and coaches had stayed in touch and had been rooting for him throughout his illness. Ryan worked out with the team, completed the spring semester, then spent the summer back home in Pismo Beach. 

Ryan returned to CMU in August of 2016 and traveled to Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series as a volunteer for the Challenger Division, a program offered by Little League to enable kids with physical and mental challenges to enjoy the game of baseball. After the trip, he developed a cold that wouldn’t go away. It was soon discovered that Ryan had developed leukemia, a side effect resulting from the chemotherapy he received for Ewing’s Sarcoma; he was flown to UCLA Medical Center in California on September 13, 2016. After more intense treatment followed by a bone marrow transplant, Ryan bravely battled through breakthroughs and setbacks for six months. On March 4, 2017, Ryan passed away, leaving his legacy of 17 Strong®.

Ryan made a lasting impact on everyone he met with his infectious positivity, leadership, ambition, and love for life. His passion for providing encouragement and inspiration for others has helped survivors celebrate their victories, start fresh and gain a new family of survivors and supporters. Ryan’s parents, Holly and Steve Teixeira lead the organization today with a passion for helping those like their son who has battled this painful journey.