Folsom's Gabe Ryan has a passion for helping others

Gabriel Ryan, known to most as Gabe, has a big heart and a passion for helping those in need. He is active in the community and encourages others to believe in themselves and take action. Ryan volunteers in Folsom for several organizations and events, including the Soldier Angels group, which provides sweet candy treats for the military's brave men and women around the country and overseas who might not get anything during the holidays. Ryan created 130 snack packs for the group. "My most recent volunteer effort was to create 130 candy bags with a thank-you note to send off to the Soldier Angels nonprofit group. They will distribute the candy bags to active duty military and veterans. I completed this one as a member of the School Health Care's team through the company I work for. This was quite a workout because I had to use a lot of hand-eye coordination and physical effort but I just incorporated my volunteering with my physical therapy," said Ryan. His affinity for the military and first responders is evident. Ryan has also packed boxes for the troops with the Blue Star mothers and was personally invited by Folsom Fire Chief Felipe Rodriguez. "He's a really cool guy," said Ryan,about the changing of the batons ceremony with the new fire chief. Ryan's mother also attended. "It was awesome. I was honored," said Ryan. Ryan was born and raised in Sacramento and has lived in Folsom for the last seven years. He has served as a student ambassador for many years with the Sacramento County Office of Education STAR Camp, providing students with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy an immersive and inclusive outdoor experience at Sly Park in Pollock Pines. Ryan is also currently working as a blog writer and contributor for the School Health Corporation (which he speaks highly of) and has been for the past six years. "Gabe is an awesome young man. He is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has overcome several major surgeries. He is always positive and many people in our community know him from just being in our city. There are so many great things about Gabe, too many to list," proudly said Katherine Ryan, Gabe's aunt. Ryan is a personable individual, and talking to him inevitably puts a smile on your face. It's no surprise he's a public speaker too. "I have also participated in several speaking engagements with community agencies and with teachers who are working on their teaching (and special education) credentials. Mostly, I will speak about my experience going through the educational system being fully included, graduating with a diploma and moving on to work. I share about the perspective of receiving support and my experience to hopefully encourage and inspire others to engage with the students they are working with and their families," said Ryan, who as of late has been doing zoom conferences due to COVID-19. Ryan has admired being of service to humanity from an early age, as he saw his family participating in various activities and giving back. Ryan also said he is paying it forward. "I'm just really into helping people. When I was younger, I always wanted to help because my family put me in different situations where we were giving back. Many people have helped me out in my life so I really enjoy volunteering because it's something I can do and it brightens someone else's day," beamed Ryan. Ryan doesn't let being born with a disability get in the way of sharing the power of positivity, a light in a world that can sometimes be dark. "I was born with cerebral palsy, and for me, that means my muscles are very tight and I've had several major surgeries. Things are not always that easy for me but I am able to use a power wheelchair to get around and have a great network of family and friends. I keep a positive attitude and have found that sharing my experience has helped other people. In the future, I look forward to continue volunteering in different activities and sharing my voice and inspiring others to be empowered to share their voice and their skills also," said Ryan. "It's always good to remember that there are people with disabilities in our community that may be looking for ways to volunteer or gainful employment. This opportunity, if given the chance, can enrich their life and those they serve."