by Rachel Hunter
The 2025 Ryan’s Wish Foundation Annual Golf Tournament teed off at Emerald Greens with more than just competition – it carried the weight of love, remembrance, and community resolve. Each swing, each step across the fairway, was a tribute to those supported by Ryan’s Wish Foundation, turning a day of sport into a powerful expression of compassion. In Gouverneur, this tournament isn’t just an event… it’s a heartbeat of generosity that echoes far beyond the greens.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Ryan Saidel was just 14 years old when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. For five years, he faced the disease with a grace and strength that left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Ryan didn’t just endure—he inspired. His life became a testament to the power of optimism, resilience, and the quiet heroism of living each day to its fullest.
Born on November 3, 1984, and passing on February 7, 2004, Ryan’s journey was far too short, but profoundly impactful. In the face of relentless treatments and uncertainty, he chose joy, connection, and purpose. Friends and family remember him not for the illness he battled, but for the light he radiated—his humor, his kindness, and his unwavering spirit.
To honor that spirit, Ryan’s parents, Dr. Robert and Rita Saidel of Gouverneur, NY, founded the Ryan’s Wish Foundation. Created just a year after his passing, the foundation celebrates Ryan’s inspirational life, and is dedicated to helping others who are battling a serious illness “play and live strong.” The Ryan’s Wish Foundation serves people in the tri-county areas of Northern New York: Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Recipients receive gifts of gas cards, money for hotel stays, help with regular maintenance of vehicles for travel, funds for medical co-pays and help with medications not covered by insurance.
Since its inception, Ryan’s Wish Foundation has distributed over $1 million to families across Northern New York, turning grief into generosity and memory into momentum. Every donation, every act of kindness through the foundation is a continuation of Ryan’s story … a story of courage, compassion, and community. Ryan Saidel’s legacy surges forward in every family his foundation lifts—proof that even in life’s darkest trials, one young man’s courage can ignite a wave of compassion that refuses to stop. His strength didn’t just endure; it multiplied, becoming a beacon that guides others through their own storms.
The 2025 Ryan’s Wish Foundation Annual Golf Tournament was held at Emerald Greens’ 18-hole golf course in Gouverneur on Saturday, August 16 to raise funds to help those diagnosed with cancer and serious illnesses throughout St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Franklin and Lewis counties. The North Country community turned out in great support of the mission of the Ryan’s Wish Foundation.
“We are grateful to all of you who have been part of the Ryan’s Wish Foundation,” Gary West of the Ryan’s Wish Foundation said. “We remember most of all the legacy of Ryan Saidel. The entire Saidel family has carried the mantle of “helping others to play and live strong as Ryan demonstrated in his life. Each of you have helped carry on the mission of the foundation through your compassion and generosity.” Much gratitude was given to the gold sponsors and all those who gave a contribution to the Ryan’s Wish Foundation during the annual golf tournament.
There also was a benefit dance at the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 for the Ryan’s Wish Foundation on Aug. 16, and much gratitude was extended for the community’s support.
There is an ongoing can and bottle drive fundraiser for the Ryan’s Wish Foundation at Griff’s Bottle and Can Redemption Center, 992 US-11, in Gouverneur. Rob Saidel informs the public: “When you take your cans out to drop off, just grab a sticker and write “Ryan’s Wish Foundation” and place it on your bag. Drop it off in the side room so when they get to it, the Ryan’s Wish Foundation will be credited.”
For more information about the Ryan’s Wish Foundation or to learn how to donate, call Rob and Rita Saidel at (315) 287-1344 or Gary West at (315) 955-2101.