“Chinese scientists educated at top universities in the United States are being drawn home by their government with the promise of funding and leadership of labs staffed with eager young researchers.” -Terri Somers - Union Tribune
Ryan Nolder has not only the community, but the wrestling world helping him take on challenges and put them in a headlock.
Ryan, 7, of Maysville is visually impaired and lives with the challenges of optic nerve hypoplasia every day. Ryan has no vision in his left eye and very limited vision in his right. He is legally blind and until recently had no hope of improvement with few options available for treatment to reverse the damage.
A new treatment that uses umbilical stem cells to regenerate the optic nerve has been developed in China and offers new hope for Ryan and his family. His vision will never be perfect but it may be vastly improved.
The treatment, plane tickets, hotel and after care will cost a minium of $60,000. Ryan and his parents, Amanda and Troy Nolder of Orangeburg, will travel to China in December, where they will remain for a month while Ryan receives treatments.
Among those who have become involved in Ryan's cause are members of the World Wrestling Coalition.
Senior officer and head referee Steve Helphenstine said the idea developed after his daughter came home from school talking about the need to help raise funds for Ryan.
Helphenstine said he instantly contacted Jeremiah L. Young, president and promoter of Southern Ohio WWC, who was all for it.
Young has helped coordinate the event with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Young said TNA is the number two wrestling promoter in the United States.
"We decided we were going to do whatever we could," Young said.
Young said currently there are 30-40 wrestlers involved with the fund-raiser. Wrestlers aren't just wrestling, they're also helping with the event.
"One hundred percent of the show is going straight to the fund," Young said.
Young said most of the wrestlers involved are known throughout southern Ohio and several have wrestled around the world.
Wrestlers like Shark Boy, Abyss and "The Astonishing" Aaron Williams will be participating.
"There has been electricity in the locker room when it's brought up," Young said.
Williams said he was excited to hear about the fund-raiser.
"In our business, we don't get to many good causes," said Williams. "I jumped on board. If you get a chance to help somebody you want to do what you can."
Williams said he met with Ryan and was very impressed with how nice and respectful he was.
In all, 25 to 30 wrestlers will be helping with the event.
"All of them just want to help," said Young. "Dozens of wrestlers wanted to sign up but we didn't have enough room. Some wrestlers are coming just to buy a ticket and help out."
Amanda Nolder said she received a call from Helphenstine "out of the blue."
"I didn't realize how huge this was," said Amanda Nolder. "The kids watch wrestling and love it. Ryan is really excited."
Amanda Nolder said she has been taken aback by the strong community response to fund-raising for her son.
"We've had several fund-raisers. It's amazing to see how everyone in and out of the community has wanted to help get this done," Amanda Nolder said.
"More than coming to see a good wrestling show," said Williams, "I want people to realize that they're doing something good and giving to something great. This is a distinct opportunity to be a part of something awesome."
"I've been a part of a lot of shows, but to me this is one of the most important shows I've been a part of," Young said.
The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 9, at the municipal building in Aberdeen. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the event will begin at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $15 at the door, $10 in advance, and $5 for children 7 and under.
"Our goal is to have 500 fans at least," Young said, adding many people are donating their time to work the event.
"At the end we want to know we did as much as we could," Young said.
"I appreciate all of the help these guys have done for me," Amanda Nolder said.
Tickets may be ordered by calling 606-759-0088 or 606-564-6602.
For more information go to www.ryanssightfight.com.
Contact Barbara Goldman at
or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 271.
TonyD. wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:01 AM:
" Best wishes and much luck Ryan and all the Nolder Family. You may remember my son, who is mildly Autistic and troubled at school, being in the news. It is amazing the kindness in the world when one must seek it out and truly look for it. I hope our neighbors help you all as much as they did us in our time of need. This community and Bracken County Schools have restored my belief in the good nature of mankind and I will die oweing them all more than I could ever repay. "
