FIREFIGHTER GETS SURPRISE
AFTER FINAL RADIATION TREATMENT
Normally a ringing bell is a call to action for a firefighter, but for Ryan Johnston from McDonald, it was a call to celebrate completing radiation oncology treatment in November 2024.
Just four months earlier, Ryan, 30, suffered from a seizure and was diagnosed with a glioma, a cancerous brain tumor the size of two golf balls. Following his diagnosis, Ryan’ s treatment began with a complex neurosurgery on July 24 at UPMC Presbyterian. He was discharged July 27, returning home to a heartfelt welcome-home parade organized by local firefighters. More than 20 fire trucks lined the street in front of his house, offering a powerful display of love and support from his community.
The outpouring of support continued throughout Ryan’ s journey. In true firefighter family fashion, House 12 of the McDonald Volunteer Fire Department has been there every step of the way— organizing fundraisers and taking turns with his sister and parents to accompany him to all 33 of his daily radiation treatments at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Washington, under the care of radiation oncologist Steven Mandish, MD.
A Compassionate Support System
On Nov. 5, Ryan completed his final radiation treatment in preparation for his upcoming chemotherapy at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Washington.
When he exited the treatment room to ring the bell, he was surprised with a wall of love and encouragement— more than 50 uniformed first responders, along with friends, family, and UPMC team members, all wearing“ Ryan Strong Support Squad” t-shirts.
The group lined Ryan’ s path as he exited the treatment room, stretching all the way to the parking garage. Outside, more than a dozen local fire engines were parked along Wilson Avenue in front of UPMC Washington, their lights flashing in solidarity.