12-year old cancer survivor authors books, spearheads his own foundation and even goes to college.

  MIAMI, FL - 02/16/2017 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

At eight years of age, Lucas Ryan was like any other boy — he played outside, enjoyed video games, and being with his friends. On February 4, 2013, things changed. Lucas was diagnosed with High-Risk Lymphoblastic T-cell Lymphoma and given six months to live. He was in a battle for life — which is what he’s titled his first book. It may seem incredible for a young man at the age of eight facing the daily challenge just to stay alive to have the drive to write a book — but he did. “The Battle For Life” is an inspiring tale that tackles real world challenges and battles set in a fantasy world with exciting characters, which include wizards, sorcerers, and a dragon. Lucas’ goal was to help readers, both young and old, understand and better cope with what might seem frightening.

“A portion of the proceeds from the book, go to The Lucas Ryan Foundation. It benefits kids that are battling pediatric cancer as well as their families — whatever they need,” Lucas’ mother, Gratziela Lazarov said. The Lucas Ryan Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps provide financial assistance to the families of the children battling cancer. It also offers support in helping reduce the effects of isolation and fear of life-threatening illnesses. The Foundation hosts multiple events throughout the year, and funds are used to increase awareness of pediatric cancer.

In the spring of 2014, Lucas appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America while still battling the disease. He also appeared on WSVN 7’s Deco Drive, a South Florida-based news magazine show, to promote his book. Now in remission, Lucas is interested in pursuing creative writing and is taking online courses at Duke University, while still in sixth grade. He’s completed the follow up “The Battle For Life,” the second book in a trilogy, and has recently begun a podcast with his friend, sixteen-year-old Jeremy Posner, which is streamed live on Facebook. The duo discusses sports and pop culture.

Lucas has plenty more planned including a travel show, a video game, and the development of his books into films. He is also a motivational speaker having spoken to medical students at Nova Southeastern University, among many others.

To learn more about the foundation, events, or to book an interview or speaking engagement, contact Matthew Posner at 954-868-5651 or email, matt@lucasryanfoundation.org, or visit the website at www.lucasryanfoundation.org