Ryan Dant graduated from the University of Louisville on Saturday. His father credits "hard work and great science" for even making the day possible. Click through our gallery to learn more about Ryan's life.
Ryan Dant graduated from the University of Louisville on Saturday. His father credits "hard work and great science" for even making the day possible. Click through our gallery to learn more about Ryan's life.
Courtesy Dant family
Ryan was born April 13, 1988, to Mark and Jeanne Dant.
Ryan was born April 13, 1988, to Mark and Jeanne Dant.
Dant Family Photos
Ryan appeared to be a healthy boy at age 2. His growth was normal in his first couple years, his body coordination was on par, and his vocabulary was expanding just like that of most children his age.
Ryan appeared to be a healthy boy at age 2. His growth was normal in his first couple years, his body coordination was on par, and his vocabulary was expanding just like that of most children his age.
Dant Family Photos
He was diagnosed at age 3 with MPS, a deadly disease that leads to stunted growth, heart disease and mental deterioration.
He was diagnosed at age 3 with MPS, a deadly disease that leads to stunted growth, heart disease and mental deterioration.
Dant Family Photos
Ryan was a fan of the University of Louisville Cardinals from an early age.
Ryan was a fan of the University of Louisville Cardinals from an early age.
Dant Family Photos
Ryan at age 4 in his first Little League Baseball game.
Ryan at age 4 in his first Little League Baseball game.
Dant Family Photos
Ryan Dant was the focal point of several fundraising efforts, including golf tournaments, arranged by his father for MPS research.
Ryan Dant was the focal point of several fundraising efforts, including golf tournaments, arranged by his father for MPS research.
Dant Family Photos
Ryan with his favorite baseball player, Nolan Ryan.
Ryan with his favorite baseball player, Nolan Ryan.
Dant Family Photos
In 1998, shortly before his 10th birthday, Ryan Dant headed to UCLA to join a group of 10 children participating in clinical trials for an experimental MPS treatment. The treatment extended his life but didn't stop the dangerous deterioration of his brain.
In 1998, shortly before his 10th birthday, Ryan Dant headed to UCLA to join a group of 10 children participating in clinical trials for an experimental MPS treatment. The treatment extended his life but didn't stop the dangerous deterioration of his brain.
Dant Family Photos
The fundraisers continued throughout Ryan's teen years.
The fundraisers continued throughout Ryan's teen years.
Dant Family Photos
Ryan helps lead Hebron High School's football team to the field during its 2006 run to the Texas state championship. The coaches let Ryan play one snap his senior year.
Ryan helps lead Hebron High School's football team to the field during its 2006 run to the Texas state championship. The coaches let Ryan play one snap his senior year.
Dant Family Photos
Dr. Elizabeth Maher, of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, agreed to admit Ryan in a compassionate-use trial to test whether a spinal injection of special enzymes could stop his cognitive decline.
Dr. Elizabeth Maher, of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, agreed to admit Ryan in a compassionate-use trial to test whether a spinal injection of special enzymes could stop his cognitive decline.
Dant Family Photos
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center perform the latest in a series of spinal injections on Ryan. The first injection happened in 2012.
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center perform the latest in a series of spinal injections on Ryan. The first injection happened in 2012.
Dant Family Photos
Ryan, here with 2016 Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, right, was able to enroll at the University of Louisville and became the football team's equipment manager.
Ryan, here with 2016 Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, right, was able to enroll at the University of Louisville and became the football team's equipment manager.
Dant Family Photos
Ryan and his father return to UT Southwestern Medical Center for Ryan's quarterly spinal injections, which keep his brain functioning properly.
Ryan and his father return to UT Southwestern Medical Center for Ryan's quarterly spinal injections, which keep his brain functioning properly.
Dant Family Photos