Ryan Johnson was honorary captain of the Elkhorn High School’s varsity basketball team at the last Jan. 29 game and is seen here being introduced with the team’s starting lineup. (Rick Benavides photo)
Elkhorn child battling rare cancer honored at basketball game
By Chris Bennett
Correspondent
The Elkhorn Area High School boys basketball team added red to its purple and gold Jan. 29 in a Southern Lakes Conference game at home against Wilmot, and provided a young man in an epic fight a night to remember and a reason to smile.
The Elks lost to the Panthers 88-78. The outcome of the game will be soon forgotten. The kindness and support extended to nine-year-old Ryan Johnson in the midst of his battle with cancer will be fondly recalled by all.
“The standing ovation Ryan got as he was announced with the starting lineup was probably the most powerful moment I have ever been involved with in athletics,” Elks coach Josh Skatrud said.
Ryan’s nickname is “Red.” The Elks’ players wore red socks. The student section and fans pushed the theme of a “Red-Out” and also wore red, to show solidarity with Ryan.
Ryan learned last fall he is suffering from DIPG. DIPG stands for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. DIPG is a form of brain cancer that is difficult to treat. The tumors are found at the base of the brain, in an area of the brain stem.
Lauren Hill, a member of the Mount St. Joseph womens basketball team, passed on from DIPG in April of 2015 at age 19. MSJ is located near Cincinnati, Ohio. Hill received recognition and acclaim from numerous media outlets and celebrities for her efforts to continue playing while fighting DIPG.
Ryan is a member of the Elks’ youth program. He served as honorary captain for the Elks against Wilmot and was introduced with the starting lineup.
“The idea to have him serve as honorary captain was brought to me by one of our parents,” Skatrud said. “I am so glad that Ryan and his family accepted the offer.”
Ryan’s parents and some family members also attended the game. Ryan’s father, Jesse Johnson, said Ryan recently finished radiation. The family is waiting to see how much the tumor shrank to decide the next step in treatment. Ryan started radiation in December.
Ryan is in the fourth grade at West Side Elementary School in Elkhorn. He visited his class on Monday of this week, and so enjoyed the visit he stayed to spend extra time with friends.
Jesse Johnson said the game meant a great deal to Ryan and his family.
“He loved it,” Jesse said. “He loved just being there. It just put a big smile on his face. You could tell he was a happy little boy to be there.”
