Hanson Family

March 20, 2025, began like any other morning. Ryan left for work a little earlier than usual, hoping to get a few things done before the day got busy. He kissed Lennie goodbye as he walked out the door. Just fifteen minutes later, Lennie’s phone rang. Ryan had been in a head-on collision on the highway. It was later confirmed that the other driver was intoxicated. Ryan was airlifted to the University of Utah Hospital, four hours away. In the days that followed, he underwent nine surgeries and faced countless terrifying moments. Much of that time was spent not knowing if he would survive long enough to reach the next procedure. He spent a total of twelve days in the ICU, ten of them on a ventilator. Against all odds, Ryan pulled through and began the long road to recovery. He remained in the hospital until mid-May, then returned home for a few weeks to allow his surgical wounds to heal. Afterward, he was readmitted to Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital on the University of Utah campus. Ryan was recently discharged, and he and Lennie have now returned home to begin adjusting to their new reality. The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, frequent trips back to Utah for medical appointments and major modifications to their home to make it wheelchair accessible and support Ryan’s independence. Ryan and Lennie have four children, two in college and two still at home. Their lives have been turned upside down, but through it all, they remain hopeful. They believe this challenge has come with a purpose and are determined to find something meaningful and positive in the journey ahead.