The Lynchburg community excels at coming together to support their own and they are currently rallying around 16-year-old Ryan Vaughn, a beloved local teen currently facing the fight of his life. At age 13, Ryan suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at school in March 2022 and was later diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – a rare and serious heart condition. Despite his determination and courage, Ryan’s condition has progressed, and he is now on the waiting list for a life-saving heart transplant.
Family and friends tell us Ryan is known for his infectious smile and joyful spirit, traits that have remained strong even through his health challenges. He attends Moore County High School and plays trombone in the MCHS Band of Spirit.
“Ryan brings joy and laughter to everyone around him,” organizers said. “Now it’s our turn to rally around him.” Community members say they’ve been inspired by Ryan’s resilience and want to show the Vaughn family they’re not in this alone.
To help ease the burden on the Vaughn family, friends, neighbors, and local businesses have organized two upcoming events to raise funds for medical expenses, travel costs, and other daily needs. The first is a Donation Car Wash set for Saturday, August 2 at 8 a.m. at the Lynchburg Co-op. Volunteers will be scrubbing and shining vehicles for donations, and all proceeds go directly to the family.
The second event will take place on Saturday, September 6 at 4 p.m. at Company Distilling located at 30 Hiles Street in downtown Lynchburg. This larger community benefit will feature a spaghetti dinner, silent auction, and live music from local favorite Yesterday’s Wine.
If you can’t attend either event but whould still like to help, there is a benefit account in his name at Jack Daniel’s Employee Credit Union or the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) has set up a benefit account for him. You can donate directly to his medical expenses, by clicking here.•
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