The "Why" Behind it All
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Oren & Ryan Warter, 2014
Oren Warter, MD
Oren Warter was a brilliant anesthesiologist, a mediocre golfer, and a fabulous family man. While doctors, nurses, and patients alike adored him, his first focus was always his family. His love for his three boys, Ryan, Zach, and Jake, was his greatest source of pride and joy. Oren was happily married to his best friend, Barbara, for 18 years before he faced his greatest challenge, battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. In 2015, after a series of unfortunate events, Oren lost his battle and died, leaving a great void in the hearts of those he loved most. This charity, the Warter Strong Foundation, was created in his honor. Oren taught us that life doesn't need to go as planned to be "perfect" and that part of the beauty is the journey itself.
Ryan
Bennett
Warter
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Ryan Warter was a beautiful light, an incredible soul, and a force to be reckoned with. Ryan was born in October 2000 with CHARGE syndrome. While Ryan faced many challenges dealing with medical complications, it quickly became clear that he had so much to teach those around him willing and able to learn. Ryan loved his family. He loved his dogs. He loved Disney and animation and computers and vacations. Ryan loved life. Ryan was the original teacher of the notion "Do Happy," and we all learned that if you want to find happiness, you need to do something to get it!