Extol August-September 2021 | Page 29

Love Conquers All Ryan & Brad Sea

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY IZQUIERDO • ASHLEYIZQUIERDO . COM
Brad Sea faced a terrifying choice at only 26 years old . In late 2008 , the otherwise healthy young man was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer , thanks to a grapefruit-sized germ cell tumor in his chest cavity that was growing out of control , smothering his lungs , and pushing his heart to the back corner of his chest .
There was not much hope for treatment with the rare mediastinal non-seminomatous germ cell cancer and he was given six months to live . An aggressive round of chemo shrunk the tumor to a manageable size , but the tumor returned within two months .
“ I was given the option of being made comfortable – to die – or to attempt a very risky surgery to try to remove it all ,” explained Brad . “ I opted for the surgery .”
To the surprise of his medical team , he walked into the operating room – instead of being wheeled in – and announced , “ I hope you ’ re on your A game and had your coffee this morning .”
The surgery was a success , and after one more round of chemo , Brad has been cancer free since 2009 . “ It was life changing ,” he said . “ I never gave up and I always knew I would beat this . I live in the moment now and always .”
He ’ s made the most of the ensuing years , building his business as CEO of Kentuckiana Mortgage Group , located in downtown New Albany . He became a father . He fell in love with his soulmate . That last one was worth the wait . Ryan Sea ( née Archibald ) and Brad had traveled on the edges of each other ’ s orbits for a while . Occasionally , mutual friends or family would suggest they meet , but they never connected . Brad began following Ryan on social media in 2018 and made a teasing comment on a post to which she responded . A spark ignited and a dinner date was quickly arranged .
“ I actually tried to back out at the last minute , but my aunt convinced me to go ,” laughed Ryan .
Their relationship quickly blossomed and in September 2019 , Ryan joined Brad and his daughter , Rorie , then two years old , for a family photo shoot for Brad ’ s birthday . They met up on the riverfront , near the New Albany amphitheater , and midway through the photo session , Brad popped the question .
Planning a wedding is always a whirlwind , but
30 EXTOL : AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021