Our friend Ryan Spike, a graduate of Chesaning Union High School in 1994 and Michigan State University in 2000 visited his doctor for a routine yearly physical in 2009. At that time a mole was discovered on his neck and soon after it was removed. The mole was analyzed and found to be a malignant melanoma. Through routine scans over the course of the next year, it was determined that the cancer had spread to his salivary gland and other lymph nodes. Ryan had his salivary gland removed in December 2010 and followed up the surgery with immunotherapy and radiation for the next three months.
In June 2011, doctors determined that the cancer had metastasized to his chest and lungs, and his diagnosis was re-classified to stage IV melanoma. Ryan immediately began treatments at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Despite months of treatments and radiation, the cancer spread rapidly around the heart, lungs, abdomen, pancreas, and into his brain. Ryan continued to fight the headaches, chills, fevers, and shakes through his specialized cancer management until he ultimately suffered a seizure.
On February 23, 2012 Ryan succumbed to the cancer that had been ravaging his body. He fought as hard and as long as anyone could against this aggressive form of cancer. Ryan leaves behind his wife of 11 years, Carmen, and their three young sons; Kyler, Owen, and Spencer.
On June 14, 2014 we are hosting The Third Annual Ryan Spike Memorial Golf Outing at Twin Brooks Golf Course in Chesaning for Ryan’s family. All proceeds raised at this event will continue to fund college savings plans for his sons and finance the future education of Kyler, Owen, and Spencer.
We are accepting donations for hole sponsors as well as prize donations. The donations will be used as raffle prizes and/or in a silent auction. The cost to sponsor a hole at this event is $100 dollars. A sign will be placed on a hole to honor your donation along with an advertisement on the RyanSpike.com website and Facebook invitation page.
For hole sponsorship, contact Greg Walthorn at 517-336-7531 or Joe Canze at 989-666-5287
If you’d like to donate to our cause in some other form, please contact Joe Canze at 989-666-5287.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.