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Friends, family gather for Caron graduation

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Amidst an auditorium of his peers, friends, family, former teachers and principals and even his nurses, Ryan Caron fulfilled a goal he'd set for himself as he walked across the stage on crutches yesterday at Cedar Park High School - to accept his high school diploma.

Ryan, who celebrated his 18th birthday just a week ago, has been fighting a rare form of juvenile bone cancer called osteosarcoma for seven years and two days. Throughout his battle he has undergone a leg amputation, four lung surgeries and multiple chemotherapy treatments. But none of that seemed to matter as Ryan, flashing his trademark smile, accepted his hard-earned and well-deserved high school diploma from Cedar Park High School Principal Ray Langlois.

“I'm so excited and so thankful to have a graduation ceremony,” said Ryan. “It's been a struggle all year to be able to get this far and stay with my class.”

Ryan said finishing his high school education was never something that he questioned. “I knew it was something I had to do if I wanted to reach my other ambitions.”

Though it has always been very important to Ryan to graduate, it's been just as important that he graduate with his class - the friends and peers he has shared so many memories with over the years. “It's made it easier to smile knowing I was with my class,” Ryan said.

The rest of his senior class shared those sentiments. They showed their enthusiasm for Ryan, giving him a standing ovation filled with cheers, whistles and shouts as he stood proudly holding his diploma.

Even through his struggles - the treatments and all the days of school he missed - Ryan has always been dedicated to his schoolwork, education and passion for music. He said his teachers would bring him the work and notes he missed, but he had to learn most things on his own. “I like learning and it gave me a sense of normalcy in life,” said Ryan.

“He taught himself pre-calculus and physics,” said Rachael Caron, Ryan's mother. “Those were classes he didn't even have to take, but he likes it. He is just that dedicated.”

In addition to keeping up with his classes, Ryan has also been very involved in the choir as a member of the Mixed I choir and SoundWave, the select choir at CPHS. He was even the 2005 alternate for the All-State Choir. He has also been very involved with the Celebrities, the dance team at CPHS.

Even with high school diploma in hand, Ryan doesn't have any plans to stop his education or learning anytime soon, as he has been accepted to Texas State University for the fall. “I want to pursue aeronautics or aeronautical physics,” he said.

He has plans to stay involved with music as well and is an honorary member of Music Educators at Texas State University (METS), student chapter of the Music Educators National Conference. Ryan said, “Music will always be a part of my life, but I'm teeter-tottering on whether I want to make it my profession.”

While his family has been his biggest support system over the years, Ryan said his really close friends have played a huge role in his life. “They've taken me through every day,” he said. “They don't treat me any different and we just do normal things that teenagers do.”

Ryan, known by his peers, teachers and anyone who knows him as a person who is always upbeat and has a smile, said he doesn't know any other way to be. “I've never been a person who could stay down,” Ryan said. “I know that I'm blessed with a good family and great friends. I don't have much to complain about.”

Austin Johnson, a graduate of CPHS who has been friends with Ryan for three years, said he knows his friend has moments when things get tough and he might get down, but nothing keeps him down for long. “He is extremely optimistic about it all,” said Johnson. “The way he deals with life and looks at it are incredibly positive.” It's this upbeat attitude and zest for life that has made a lasting impression on Ryan's friends and fellow Timberwolves. During closing remarks at the ceremony, Ian Beckcom, senior class secretary, thanked Ryan for being a leader and “teaching by example.”

Hannah Jiang, the class of 2008 salutatorian, spoke at the ceremony of her first encounter with Ryan. “His optimism was contagious,” said Jiang. She said she never would have guessed the struggle he endured every day because he has such a happy, laid-back demeanor.

When asked how they would describe Ryan, his group of close-knit friends said his compassion for others, dedication and strength stand out to them. “He is such a normal guy who does extraordinary things,” said Cassie Anderson, fellow CPHS senior and Ryan's good friend. “He goes through so much and he has a heart for everyone else.”

Melody Botkin, Ryan's girlfriend of two-and-a-half years, said she is amazed at how Ryan is always willing to be there for everyone else. “I'm definitely a stronger person since I've been with him,” she said.

“Whenever he gets re-diagnosed, all of us are crying and he is the one saying, ‘Everything will be OK',” said Anderson. “He's just got such a strength.”

Over the years, Ryan and his family have seen an outpouring of love and support from the school district and the community. Rachael, who works for a nonprofit organization in Austin, has been amazed at how supportive everyone is and how much they've been willing to help. “[The school district] basically became our extended family,” she said. “That and our faith have kept us strong.”

The Carons had only lived in Cedar Park for about two years when Ryan was first diagnosed, but Rachael said Naumann Elementary and the community immediately came together and held a very successful pancake breakfast fundraiser. Rachael said, “I didn't even know that many people knew us.”

One memorable moment for Rachael was when the CPMS choir took a field trip to the family's house to visit with Ryan. “Each kid got off the bus with a bag of food and filled our pantry,” and then they sat and sang with Ryan, she said.

The most recent fundraiser, a spaghetti dinner and bake sale put on by the CPHS Choir Booster Club, Naumann Elementary, CPHS Celebrities and Fazoli's, along with many others, had numerous supporters and donations made from groups in the area. The event raised $9,007 to help Ryan's family with medical expenses.

“Knowing so many people care is definitely a big lift. It keeps me going,” said Ryan. “I love each and every one of them for it.”

Rachael said it's very comforting knowing there are some things they don't have to worry about because the community is taking care of them. “The community of Cedar Park and Leander ISD have taken care of our family - from a financial, emotional and spiritual standpoint. They are our family in all intents and purposes.”

Though the rest of his peers will celebrate their pomp and circumstance on Sunday, June 8, Ryan was given a special ceremony because he will be at MD Anderson in Houston recovering from surgery. The 12-hour surgery on May 29 will remove tumors from Ryan's jaw and involves facial reconstruction. “In the seven years of battle, this is the most difficult,” Rachael said.

Ryan also received the Timberwolf Fighting Heart Award from principal Langlois.

E-mail jennifer@hillcountrynews.com

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