HOLLIDAYSBURG, BLAIR COUNTY--- A special thank you and tribute was made Wednesday afternoon to the local community, family and supporters of Ryan Roberts.
"Ryan lives on in our hearts, we just have to remember all of the good memories," said Diane Roberts.
Ryan was 21- months old when he passed away in July. He had a fatal congenital heart defect and Down Syndrome. His parents made the heart wrenching decision to sign the do not resuscitate order last summer. With only weeks to live they didn't focus on him dying but living his final days. Erik and Diane created a bucket list of experiences for their son, that's how "Ryan's Banana Split Party" was started. It went viral on social media and families around the world took time to eat a banana split in Ryan's honor.
"It is amazing the people who supported my child and didn't even know him," said Erik Roberts.
Even Erik's military family got onboard to support the Robert's family.
"We wanted to have a party in honor of Ryan," said Captain Amanda Harrah, Army National Guard. "People from the guard stepped up to help."
Local businesses and community members contributed to the military's party in honor of Ryan. On Wednesday a special thank you made to everyone who helped make it possible last summer.
"The National Guard is an amazing family," said Erik.
"This is what the guard is all about," said Harrah.
Erik and Diane will never forget Ryan, but knowing he brought joy to people's life, that is one of the sweetest memories of all.
"One little boy made a difference," said Diane.
"Ryan lives on in our hearts, we just have to remember all of the good memories," said Diane Roberts.
Ryan was 21- months old when he passed away in July. He had a fatal congenital heart defect and Down Syndrome. His parents made the heart wrenching decision to sign the do not resuscitate order last summer. With only weeks to live they didn't focus on him dying but living his final days. Erik and Diane created a bucket list of experiences for their son, that's how "Ryan's Banana Split Party" was started. It went viral on social media and families around the world took time to eat a banana split in Ryan's honor.
"It is amazing the people who supported my child and didn't even know him," said Erik Roberts.
Even Erik's military family got onboard to support the Robert's family.
"We wanted to have a party in honor of Ryan," said Captain Amanda Harrah, Army National Guard. "People from the guard stepped up to help."
Local businesses and community members contributed to the military's party in honor of Ryan. On Wednesday a special thank you made to everyone who helped make it possible last summer.
"The National Guard is an amazing family," said Erik.
"This is what the guard is all about," said Harrah.
Erik and Diane will never forget Ryan, but knowing he brought joy to people's life, that is one of the sweetest memories of all.
"One little boy made a difference," said Diane.
