A Barrow County mother and son who waged brave battles against cancer died just two days apart last week.
Visitation for Melinda (Missy) Morgan and Ryan Morgan will be held Friday, July 17, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at Smith Memory Chapel in Winder. Services will be held Saturday, July 18, at Bethlehem First Baptist Church at 2 p.m.
Missy, 46, died Wednesday, July 8. She was a speech pathologist at Bethlehem Elementary School. Ryan, 10, died Friday, July 10. He was a student at BES and participated in swimming and soccer.
Ryan was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in 2004 and had undergone multiple treatments in Atlanta, New York and Vermont.
Missy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and had waged a tough battle while also helping Ryan with his fight against cancer.
Ryan and Missy are survived by father and husband Les Morgan; brother and son Will Morgan; and sister and daughter Heidi Morgan.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Lighthouse, P.O. Box 847, Marietta, GA 30061, or C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer, 1835 Savoy Dr., Ste. 102, Atlanta, GA 30341.
COMMUNITY SADDENED
Both Ryan and Missy were well-known not just in Barrow County, but also around the state. For many people, Ryan had become the face of childhood cancer, appearing on television and doing radio fundraising to fight cancer. He was active in the Barrow County Relay for Life and participated in a number of special events for children with cancer.
MISSY, RYAN MORGAN
Mother, son die just days apart from cancer
The family’s struggles received widespread media attention last year when someone broke into their house and stole Ryan’s puppy. The story was covered by media outlets around the state.
But to many Barrow Countians, Missy and Ryan were friends and neighbors who inspired courage.
“Missy and Ryan were both heroes to everyone at Bethlehem Elementary School,” said Pat Lanthier, former principal at BES. “They demonstrated an unbelievable amount of strength and gave us a unique perspective about the importance of love and relationships.
“Missy was well known as an excellent speech therapist. She worked tirelessly to serve her students. Her courage and determination to maintain normalcy was an inspiration to us all.
“At BES and everywhere he went, Ryan won the hearts of those around him. He always had a big smile and was a child everyone knew. He was popular among his classmates, with his happy-go-lucky attitude and winning personality.
“The entire Morgan family has blessed us all with their love and strength. Missy and Ryan will live on in our hearts and memories.”
But to many Barrow Countians, Missy and Ryan were friends and neighbors who inspired courage.
“Missy and Ryan were both heroes to everyone at Bethlehem Elementary School,” said Pat Lanthier, former principal at BES. “They demonstrated an unbelievable amount of strength and gave us a unique perspective about the importance of love and relationships.
“Missy was well known as an excellent speech therapist. She worked tirelessly to serve her students. Her courage and determination to maintain normalcy was an inspiration to us all.
“At BES and everywhere he went, Ryan won the hearts of those around him. He always had a big smile and was a child everyone knew. He was popular among his classmates, with his happy-go-lucky attitude and winning personality.
“The entire Morgan family has blessed us all with their love and strength. Missy and Ryan will live on in our hearts and memories.”
but atleast when ryan passed he had his mother with him so he wouldnt be alone .........
i mean God is there
but atleast he has his mommy :/
What a terrible and yet poetic end to two unforgettable lives.
Always remember the Lord has a plan.
they are now in his everlasting arms to hurt no more. My prayer goes out to Mr. Morgan and the other children may God be with you during these next few days and remember they are at peace with God amen!!!!
As for the family, there are a whole lot of people thinking about you and praying for you, I hope it helps.