Meet Champion, John Ryan

When John Ryan was six months old, his parents noticed he wasn’t holding his head up or sitting. At his checkup, doctors noted his delayed development and unusually rapid head growth. An MRI confirmed macrocephaly, and he was referred for intensive therapy. His mom recalls being overwhelmed: “When it’s your own child, it feels much scarier. But once we landed at Children’s Specialized Hospital, we could exhale. They answered our questions and made us feel normal in a very uncertain situation.” Genetic testing later revealed GATAD2B, a rare disorder affecting fewer than 300 people worldwide. At Children’s Specialized Hospital, John Ryan began physical and occupational therapy. He thrived in the environment, growing stronger and learning new ways to play, communicate, and bear weight on his legs. Now four, John Ryan attends school, continues regular therapies, and loves music, puzzles, Mickey Mouse, and his big sister Giulianna