Prolific writer/producer Ryan Murphy has been married to photographer David Miller for six years and they have two sons, Logan, five and a half, and Ford, who turned four this month. In a new post to Instagram, Ryan revealed that Ford has been battling a pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma since he was just two years old. Ford’s pediatrician found an abdominal tumor during a routine pediatric checkup. Murphy writes that Ford has undergone surgery and “several difficult procedures” to remove and treat it. Neuroblastoma is most common cancer in babies under one and can have a high mortality rate depending on what type it is. The good news is that Ford is doing well now. Ryan has just donated $10 million, an entire wing, to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where Ford received care. I got choked up reading this. A photo of Ford is above and here’s the caption in text:
I’d like you to meet Ford Theodore Miller Murphy. Today is a big day in his and our family’s lives. Two years ago, this sweet little innocent boy with a deep belly laugh and an obsession with Monster Trucks was diagnosed with neuroblastoma…an often fatal pediatric cancer. Ford’s cancer — an abdominal tumor the size of a tennis ball — was found during a normal check up by his brilliant pediatrician Dr. Lauren Crosby @drlaurencrosby. From there, Ford has undergone a huge surgery and several difficult procedures. My better half, David Miller, was a rock through this — strong and patient and loving (I was always a trembling wreck). Ford was strong as well, and today he is thriving. He just celebrated his fourth birthday, a milestone we are all so thrilled about. Ford is doing so well because of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles @childrensla. Today at the hospital we are donating a wing in tribute to Ford and our family is making a gift of $10 million dollars so that other children can experience the love and care of this exceptional facility. No child is turned away at Children’s Hospital. We are so honored and lucky to contribute, and encourage everybody who can to do the same. We love you, Ford. 📸 credit: @dcmphoto.biz
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a non-profit facility and they’re a pioneer in treating neuroblastoma. Ryan’s generous donation will go far to help families who can’t afford care for their children. I’m so glad Ryan’s son is doing well now and hope his health continues to improve. I can’t imagine what their family went through.
photos credit: WENN and via Instagram
There could be nothing worse than having a child with a serious illness-I’m so glad his son is doing better. What a wonderful gift!
+1
That’s so sweet. Terrible that a kid had to go through that but at least some good is coming out of it.
Oh my God, Ford is such a little cutie. I didn’t realize they had kids.
Aw, poor little guy. Breaks my heart when little ones have to go through such hell. Happy he is doing well. Good on Ryan for his very generous gift. What’s the point of being wealthy if you don’t help others.
Gahhh that’s so sad and sweet. I’m so glad the little guy is doing well. I can’t even imagine the kind of pain that people go through when their children are sick – especially when it’s something as serious as cancer. I was too young to realize how sick my youngest cousin was growing up – he had a hole in his heart and it was pretty touch and go at times. He’s graduating from college this year and has just landed an amazing job – he’s proudly told me he’s finally had a chance to sell out haha.
I am so glad that they decided to help other children with this devastating disease. Bless them.
Indeed.
My son’s classmate in preschool had neuroblastoma and holy hell was it devastating. Both the disease and treatment left her disabled for a while, it was so scary to behold. Fast forward 12+ years and she is healthy, happy, planning for college. Amazing.
Wow, I’m so glad to hear she survived. A friend of a friend lost her daughter to neuroblastoma last year. It has a very high relapse rate (over 60%) and if it relapses, it’s almost 100% fatal so far. I know they are pioneering amazing research. My friend of a friend’s daughter survived 5 years with the disease, and beat the first relapse, but not the second one. While she was receiving treatment, I followed 5 of her fellow fighters on social media, and every one of them passed away. I’ve literally never heard of a child surviving it. Hearing that you personally know someone gives me hope! I also pray that Ryan Murphy’s son has a low risk version of the cancer and that his battle with that beast neuroblastoma is over forever.
This reminds me of Noah Buble’s cancer. Cancer in children is particularly heartbreaking. Glad he’s healthy and safe! And so glad the donation will help many patients.
I’m so sad they went through that with their son but what a generous gift to the hospital.
When I went with my dad for his consult with his oncologist last month, there was a boy there who couldn’t be more than eight years old. We usually all chat and joke around with the patients and their families in waiting rooms and I’m always in awe of the resilience in all patients but whenever there’s a child…it’s always difficult to process. I’m very happy his son is well and hopefully his generous donation will help other families get a positive outcome.
Ryan is indeed one of the few ppl in Hollywood to look up to – works hard on meaningful projects, while I am not a fan of the horror genre no one can dispute he is the one who works consistently on inclussion and diversity. I hope his son is thriving and brings him well deserved joy in life.
How wonderful. I hope for continued health and happiness for his son. What a generous donation that will help a lot of other families.
I LOVE seeing little kids on ponies. I think it’s wonderful that they’ve given back so so generously.
Ryan did a good thing. I wish his son good health. There is nothing sadder than a child with cancer.
This made me cry. I’m a mom to two young toddlers. I can’t fathom the pain they felt watching their sweet young son be so ill and get treatment. I would die. I’m so happy he’s doing better and wow, 10 million dollar wing of the hospital!!! Incredible, selfless gift! I honestly dream of having crazy money just to be able to give it away!