ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — 8-year-old Ryan Buck was recently introduced as the 2025-26 local Children’s Miracle Network Champion.

What You Need To Know

  • Local 2025-2026 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion is known as "ToughGuyRy"

  • Ryan was diagnosed with leukemia at age 5

  • CMN funds raised locally stay local to support: hospital care, programs, equipment

The second-grader has been treated at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for a rare form of leukemia since he was diagnosed just after turning five.

“We spent a better part of seven months in-patient between treatment and Ryan’s life-saving bone marrow transplant,” said Ryan’s Mother, Michelle Buck. 

Dr. Deepak Chellapandian, Division Chief of the JHACH Blood and Marrow Transplant Program says Ryan’s case has been complicated.

“I should say that his journey was pretty tortuous and there were lots of ups and downs,” said Chellapandian. “There were moments of hope and uncertainties, but certainly I can say he was a true warrior and he fought it through really well.” 

That strength is what got Ryan a special nickname from his nursing staff. 

“He’s the toughest little boy that I know,” said Michelle. “And that’s why they call him ‘ToughGuyRy.’” 

“ToughGuyRy,” now CMN Champion, and his family, hope to help raise awareness and funding for JHACH.

CMN raises funds locally that go directly to support JHACH: hospital care, programs and equipment. Ryan benefitted from clinical trials and he coped with support from child life advocates in the activity center.

“It makes me proud of how far he’s come and how he gives hope to everybody else who goes through what he’s gone through,” said Michelle. “I want what he’s gone through and his journey to show people that it may not always be easy but you can get there.” 

While Ryan is in remission, they’re also monitoring complications from the bone marrow transplant.

“His numbers are looking really good, his labs are looking good,” said Michelle of a recent visit with Dr. Chellapandian.

With that good news and a good prognosis, “ToughGuyRy” is getting stronger every day.

“It was hard going through our journey and watching him overcome so many obstacles along the way, watching his strength and his love for life,” said Michelle. “He’s a 5-year-old going through cancer and he’s shown me what strength is like.”