Heitz of Heaven 5k Run/Walk

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Our Story

Ryan V. Heitzenrater was a healthy and very active thirteen year old who was involved in many sports and recreation activities. He was extremely dedicated to a life of physical and mental strength. In January 2013 Ryan became very ill with an unidentified viral infection and was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh where he spent the final 46 days of his life. The initial viral infection he had resulted in his immune system overreacting, leading to a diagnosis of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). After receiving several different treatments for HLH, his body continued fighting and was actually winning the battle against this potentially fatal diagnosis. With a suppressed immune system, Ryan was a high risk candidate for picking up secondary infections. Four days before Ryan passed away one of his blood cultures tested positive for a secondary bacterial infection that had entered his body through some means. Despite the treatments, medications, and efforts of the hospital, the secondary bacterial infection won the battle and Ryan went to be with Our Lord.

Ryan was a remarkable teenager who was very athletic, always had a smile on his face, and touched many lives during the short time he was here. His main sport was ice hockey, which he played for the Arctic Foxes Hockey Association for eight years. He was also involved with football and track and field through Montour School District. Ryan was an avid snowboarder who loved to do park and mountain riding. He spent most of his snowboarding time at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, but also had a love for snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. His desire to be physically fit was evident in his routine and trying workouts at the gym. He had a love for helping others and aspired to attend The Ohio State University for Physical Therapy. We now search for ways to keep Ryan’s spirit and values alive within us and others at all times – his smile, strength, charming ways, sense of humor and respectfulness.

The Heitz 61 Memorial Foundation was created through the eyes of Ryan and will help others within the community by promoting higher education and encouraging the physical well-being and teamwork of young people involved in sports. Through your support and care it is our hope to keep Ryan’s spirit alive forever by providing assistance to others that have a desire to be exceptional. This is what Ryan would have wished for.