Ryan Johnston – Brain Cancer Patient Story

Normally, a ringing bell is a call to action for a firefighter.

But for Ryan Johnston from McDonald, it was a call to celebrate completing radiation oncology treatment in November 2024.

Just four months earlier, Ryan, 30, suffered a seizure and was diagnosed with a glioma, a cancerous brain tumor that was the size of two golf balls.

Following his diagnosis, Ryan’s treatment began with a complex neurosurgery on July 24 at UPMC Presbyterian.

Three days later, on July 27, he was discharged and returned home to a heartfelt welcome-home parade organized by local firefighters. More than 20 fire trucks lined the street in front of his house, offering a powerful display of love and support from his community.

The outpouring of support continued throughout Ryan’s journey. In true firefighter family fashion, House 12 of the McDonald Volunteer Fire Department has been there every step of the way. His supporters have organized fundraisers and taken turns with his sister and parents in accompanying Ryan to all 33 daily radiation treatments at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Washington, under the care of radiation oncologist Steven Mandish, MD.

A Cause for Celebration: Ringing the Bell

On Nov. 5, Ryan completed his final radiation treatment in preparation for his upcoming chemotherapy at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Washington.

When he exited the treatment room to ring the bell, he was surprised by a wall of love and encouragement — more than 50 uniformed first responders, along with friends, family, and UPMC team members, all wearing “Ryan Strong Support Squad” T-shirts.

The group lined Ryan’s path as he exited the treatment room, stretching all the way to the parking garage. Outside, more than a dozen local fire engines were parked along Wilson Avenue in front of UPMC Washington, their lights flashing in a powerful display of solidarity.

Ryan was surprised by the celebration.

“It feels good to be done," he says. "I want to thank everyone for their support, and I’m ready to move on. I want to get back to work.” 

The celebration was a deeply moving display for Ryan and a testament to the profound impact UPMC’s health care has on the community.  

Ryan rested for a few weeks before embarking on the next phase of his medical oncology treatment, under the care of UPMC Hillman medical oncologist and hematologist Gurprataap S. Sandhu, MD.

The plan involved Ryan taking chemotherapy pills at home. 

While a recent MRI scan showed there were no signs of cancer, Ryan is undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy as a preventive measure.

“I’ve had the best care,” says Ryan. “All my doctors have been great. Neurosurgeon Dr. (Georgios) Zenonos was able to remove 90% of my tumor, and the radiation removed the rest.”

Ryan’s treatment and results may not be representative of similar cases.