My name is Ryan Hansen. I’m a 28 year old sales executive living in South Boston. I love hockey, spending summer weekends on the Cape with my family, and hanging out with my buddies for a good laugh. I grew up in West Haven, Connecticut - a scrappy blue collar sports town that’s home to the Blue Devils, before attending college at Endicott where I studied and played hockey. I’ve had a "work hard, expect nothing, appreciate everything" mentality that was instilled early on. The last thing that you should know about me is that I've got a hatred for this horrible disease that impacts so many; cancer...



Many of us will be blessed enough to go through life, never having to battle head-on with this terrible disease. But what about those that do? What about those who were less fortunate and had been diagnosed with something so life-altering? Like everyone else has, I’ve witnessed first hand how this disease can affect some of the ones we love most. I’ve been given this opportunity to participate in the 2020 Haymakers for Hope and by doing so, I plan to fight back by raising funds that will go towards finding a cure, helping a family who is struggling to get by during their fight, and to fund survivorship. These four months will be mentally and physically challenging, but I will do my best to make an impact on the lives of those who need help the most. The following people have been my inspiration to participate in H4H by fighting cancer head-on:

• My Grandmothers: I’d like to honor my Grandmother Dolores Raccuia, who battled breast cancer for years - ultimately passing away in 2012 from it and my Grandmother Jeane Hansen who passed away in 1998 from lung cancer. I fight for the both of you!

 

• My Aunt: My Aunt, Mary Raccuia passed away in 2016 at age 57 after her battle with breast cancer. She was gentle and loving and saw the good in everyone around her, which is a quality that I honor her for. Aunt Mary, I fight for you!

 

• Gary Lindgren: A role model for me since I was in diapers. One of the kindest and most supportive guys I've ever met. Gary has battled with Sarcoma, been punched and kicked, but he's never been out of the fight. I fight for you Gary!

 

• The Boyles: To Artie, Brian, and the Boyle family; I fight for you! 

100% of donations will go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I hope you consider making a contribution to my 2021 H4H campaign.

~Ryan