Complex Disorder Doesn’t Stop This Cool Kid

You can’t ignore Ryan’s warm smile, big personality and cool orange glasses—even in the face of mitochondrial disease.

You can’t ignore Ryan Lively’s warm smile, big personality and cool orange glasses.

Ryan also has mitochondrial disease, a complex disorder that causes a long list of developmental delays, seizures, sensory issues, vision trouble and problems with eating. For many years, he could not tolerate food and needed special feedings through a gastric feeding tube. After many years of therapy, Ryan was finally able to have his feeding tube removed—and he will tell you that it was one of the best days of his life.

This brave young man sees multiple specialists—in audiology, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, pediatric surgery, therapy services and more—at The Woodlands Health Center, along with his Texas Children’s pediatrician in The Woodlands.

Despite the challenges his disease presents, one of Ryan’s favorite things to do is ride his bike. His parents are very grateful for the excellent care he has received at Texas Children’s.