The Ryan Jude Doyle Infusion Suite recently opened at UMass Children’s Hospital after it received a $100,000 donation from the RD26 Foundation. Pictured from left to right are Griffin Doyle, Dee Doyle, Casey Doyle and Tim Doyle at the infusion suite.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
WILBRAHAM — The RD26 Foundation, created in memory of Wilbraham teen Ryan Jude Doyle, continues to turn grief into generosity with a recent $100,000 donation to the University of Massachusetts Children’s Hospital that has helped establish the Ryan Jude Doyle Infusion Suite.
“The RD26 Foundation was started in late 2019 to honor Ryan Jude Doyle,” said his mother, Dee Doyle, who also serves as co-board director of the RD26 Foundation.
Ryan was a junior at Minnechaug Regional High School when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma after experiencing pain in his knee. A varsity football and baseball player, Ryan underwent the amputation of his left leg, numerous chest surgeries, and many rounds of chemotherapy prior to beginning his senior year.
Throughout his treatment, the Wilbraham community rallied around him. “His positive attitude and fight to get better was inspiring to many people,” Dee said. After Ryan passed away, the foundation was established “initially to provide scholarships to Minnechaug seniors,” ensuring that his legacy of perseverance and community spirit would continue.
In the six years since its founding, the RD26 Foundation has far surpassed its early goals. “The RD26 foundation has raised much more than $100,000,” Dee said. In addition to the recent $100,000 gift to UMass Children’s Hospital, the foundation has awarded $31,000 in scholarships and donated $117,000 to families with children affected by cancer.
A key part of that outreach is the foundation’s backpack program. “We have a backpack program in which we gift a backpack, with a blanket, a hat and a check to families in need,” Dee said. Funds for these initiatives are raised through a variety of community-centered events, including annual golf tournaments, a 5K run/walk, and cornhole tournaments. “We are lucky to have solid sponsors who support this cause,” she added.
The opening of the Ryan Jude Doyle Infusion Suite marked a particularly meaningful milestone for the family and the foundation.
“The opening of The Ryan Jude Doyle infusion suite at UMass was one of the best days our family and supporters have had in six years,” Dee said. While Ryan had positive memories of his care team — “he loved the nurses & staff” — the physical space left room for improvement.
“UMass was chosen because we saw an area that needed improvement,” Dee explained. The donation allowed the hospital to expand and upgrade the infusion area, creating an environment designed to better support children and young adults undergoing lengthy and difficult treatments.
“The infusion suite will make a place no one wants to be a little more comfortable and bright,” Dee said. “All the bays have more comfortable chairs and big screen televisions and new artwork.”
The foundation’s success, Dee believes, reflects the spirit of Ryan himself. “If you knew Ryan you wouldn’t be surprised by all the support we have had,” she said. “We are overwhelmed and thankful by the community’s generosity and people’s eagerness and enthusiasm to get involved with our foundation’s events.”
Looking ahead, the RD26 Foundation hopes to build on that momentum. “We are hoping 2026 is a very successful year for the RD26 foundation,” Dee said, noting an expanded social media presence and a continued focus on helping children with cancer “one backpack at a time.”
More information about the foundation and upcoming events can be found at RD26.org, and on social media by following @rd26_foundation.
