A young man from Rocky Hill, Connecticut, has passed away at the age of 21 after a prolonged battle with glioblastoma, a severe form of brain cancer. Ryder Scelza died in the arms of his mother, Linda Scelza, who comforted him in his final moments by telling him it was “OK to go.”
Ryder’s journey began in March 2022 when he was first diagnosed with the aggressive disease. Following multiple surgeries, it became clear that the tumors were no longer operable. Late last year, he was placed in a medically induced coma, and upon awakening, lost the ability to communicate. After spending approximately four months at Cobalt Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Ryder returned home earlier this year, where he received round-the-clock care from his mother and twin brother, Reno.
Linda recounted how her son could no longer speak after Christmas but found solace in music, particularly from Taylor Swift. “Hearing the music would make him visibly relax,” she said, noting that while they hoped Swift might reach out during Ryder’s fight, the music still provided comfort.
As Linda reflected on Ryder’s courageous battle, she emphasized his determination. “This boy, he fought, he beat every odd there was to beat with the kind of brain cancer he had,” she stated. In his last moments, Ryder took two more breaths before passing away, which Linda described as a poignant moment. “I promised him I would be OK. He was scared for me… his fight was for me,” she shared.
Ryder’s sister, Alyssa Scelza, expressed gratitude for being present during those final moments. “I do believe he heard her and it gave him the comfort to let go,” she said. Linda noted that Ryder had always been aware of her grief following the death of her father, as she still carries that loss deeply.
Ryder’s legacy extends beyond his family; he became a symbol of resilience in the face of a daunting illness. “He will always be remembered for being a fighter,” Alyssa remarked. “What he did was for everyone else… the reason he did anything was for love.”
Linda Scelza devoted nearly four years to caring for Ryder, while Reno has been tested and shows no signs of glioblastoma. Family members, including cousin Alfred Scelza, praised Linda’s unwavering support throughout Ryder’s illness. He noted that she even created an office in her garage to study the disease, reflecting her commitment to understanding glioblastoma.
Ryder’s journey was marked by numerous hospital visits and treatments. Linda shared that after surgery in July 2022, they received devastating news: the cancer had returned inoperably, leaving Ryder with just weeks to live. Despite this, he continued to fight for an additional 40 months, highlighting the unpredictability of the disease.
Ryder had specific wishes for his funeral, including the release of butterflies and a horse-drawn carriage to carry his casket. He wanted to ensure that his family continued to live full lives, advocating for perseverance. “He wanted everybody to know there is more of a fight to this disease,” Linda stated.
Throughout his treatment, Joy Savulak, a spokesperson for Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, noted how Ryder touched everyone who met him. “He quickly became part of our Gaylord family,” Savulak said in an email. “We will always remember his strength, determination, and his amazing, infectious smile.”
In the wake of his passing, Linda recalled Ryder’s message to others: “never give up.” She described his admiration for Taylor Swift, saying, “It’s just her as a whole, her attitude… the music she writes.” Ryder even honored his favorite artist with a tattoo featuring the lyrics, “long story short; I survived.”
As the family navigates their grief, they are united in remembering Ryder not just for his illness, but for his spirit and love. “His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him,” his family said in his obituary.
