Airdrie Hockey player Ryan Straschnitzki will soon be off to Philadelphia to continue his rehabilitation at the Shriners Hospital. 

Ryan’s Dad Tom says that they heard about this opportunity through a friend they knew at the Ron Ebbesen Arena.

(Photo Courtesy: Tom Straschnitzki)

“There’s a lady who used to work at the rink bar that we used to go to when we watched the kids play hockey. She started working with the Boys and Girls Club in Airdrie and her boss, her father was the head Shriner of Alberta so he reached out and started talking and asked if we’d be interested and we said yes and then it just went from there. All the Shriners got this together for us.”

Once he’s arrived in Philadelphia, Ryan will be assessed by the Hospital staff who will then decide the best treatment options for him

Tom said that it’s hard to imagine that it’s been almost two months since the tragic bus crash that left Ryan paralyzed, but his family has been getting through the days at Foothills Hospital.

“We come every day. I’ll come in the mornings, I’ll get his little brother ready and take him to Day Care. Then Michelle will come in at 2 and do the afternoon, night shift. ”

Tom goes on to say that the community support continues to amaze him, especially with the upcoming Straz Strong Benefit Concert on June 16th at Genesis Place.

Ryan hopes to fly out to the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia tomorrow (May 29th) 

 

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