2017 Pikes Peak Challenge Summit Hiker: Ryan Pankonin

By Ryan Pankonin

  • $130.00

    Pledged of $200.00 Goal

  • 2

    Supporters

  • 0

    Hours to Go

All pledges will be collected automatically until September 9, 2017.

Share this campaign

Drew’s Crew was formed to bring awareness to Tuberous Sclerosis, Strokes, and Tramatic Brain Injuries.

Andrew, Steve, and myself will be participating in the 2017 Pikes Peak Challenge.

Here is a little background on Andrew…

February 2011, is a day that is forever burned in our memory.  Andrew was a 17 year old senior in high school and suffered an ischemic stroke caused by a narrowed carotid artery.  He spent about a month at Children’s Hospital enduring many tests and intensive therapy.  He rose to the occasion and surprised us all.  His recovery was amazing and our family learned how to live with a traumatic brain injury.

Fast forward to August 2014…Andrew had brain surgery to remove a golf ball sized giant cell astrocytoma caused by his genetic disorder Tuberous Sclerosis.  The tumor was removed successfully but there were a few complications.  Andrew had to undergo a second surgery to add a ventricular-peritoneal shunt due to his body being unable to absorb his spinal fluid as fast as he was producing it.

Once again Andrew surprised us all and came through with flying colors.

Now in 2017 Andrew is doing amazing.  He has a full time job and if you didn’t know Andrews medical history you would think he was a “typical” 24 year old.

If anything about Andrew’s story has moved you, please consider donating to Drew’s Crew as we help to raise awareness and funds to allow the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado to be the go-to resource for help and services for survivors of an injury to the brain, their families and providers.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.

Leave a Reply

  1. Brian Pankonin
    $65.00
  2. Shane and Tara Schulz
    $65.00