Students of the Year Fox Valley

Ian Ridlehoover | Making Waves

Ian's Students of the Year Fundraiser

Feb 21, 2021

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page, welcome!

My name is Ian Ridlehoover. I'm a junior at Appleton East High School in Appleton, WI. Throughout my whole life, I've loved to challenge myself, especially through swimming! I love to swim, and it's been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. That's why if my campaign reaches our goal of $50,000, I will SWIM ACROSS LAKE WINNEBAGO! It will be the longest swim I have ever done at TEN MILES! 

Obviously, I can't do this alone, and I need YOUR help to reach my goal. If you are willing and able, please consider making a donation to this page. No donation is too small, and every single dollar we raise gets us closer to permanently ending blood cancer! If you are unwilling or unable to make a donation, please at least consider sharing this page or our social media pages (linked below) with your friends and family.

Follow us on social media here:

 @MakingWavesLLS

 @makingwaveslls

 Making Waves

More information on LLS below:

As a global leader in the fight to end cancer, LLS is committed to doing more for blood cancer patients and families than any organization in the world. LLS’s signature fundraising campaigns drive critical support for its mission, including a nearly $1.3 billion investment in cutting edge cancer research worldwide since it was founded in 1949. Since the 1960s, survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled.

Every facet of LLS’s mission – research, education and support, and policy and advocacy – work in harmony to put blood cancer patients and their families first. LLS has helped millions impacted by cancer throughout its more than 70-year history, even funding breakthrough blood cancer research to advance lifesaving treatments and cures that is now helping patients with other cancers and diseases. That is why at LLS we say that beating cancer is in our blood.

Please visit my website as often as you can and share it with everyone you know who would also like to join us in the fight against cancer. Together, we CAN achieve a world without blood cancer. All donations are tax-deductible.

On behalf of cancer patients and their families everywhere, thank you so much for your support.

For more information about LLS, please visit lls.org

 

194 Comments

  • Custom Ink LLC

    Thanks for designing your awesome team shirts with Custom Ink!

  • Jennifer Kocovsky

    Good luck, Ian! Way to go!

  • Barbara Steinfeldt

    Looking forward to seeing you swim!

  • Ellen Steger

    Ian, thanks for participating in this fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). In 2016 I was diagnosed with MDS--Myelodysplastic Syndrome, sometimes known as pre-leukemia. I have no siblings and no good donor matches on the national registry. Luckily, prior to my needing a transplant, science and research had developed a way to conduct a transplant using your children's cells. My transplant was on June 30, 2017, and our older son was my donor. I will soon be a 4-year survivor. Thanks to research into Leukemia and Lymphoma, I am leading a happy, productive life...and enjoying every minute of it!!! Ellen Steger

  • Mark and DeeGee Williams

    Make some waves, Ian! Mark Williams

  • The Mitchells

    You’re awesome Ian!!! Cheering for you from TX!

  • Bojarski Family

    Good luck Ian!

  • The Mt-Reillys

    Best of luck to reach your goal, Ian!

  • Alan & Barbara Steger

    A great cause, Ian. Thanks for the opportunity to support you.

  • Sharon Swink

    you GO!

  • Linda Hash

    We'll be cheering you on, Ian, both in your fundraising and in your swim.

  • Dr. Alison Craig

    Good luck, Ian! During residency, your mom and I cared for many children with cancer. Codie was one of those patients. You are making a difference, Ian. Keep it up! Alison

  • Syring Family

    Good luck, Ian!!!

  • Anonymous

    Thank you for doing this for such a worthwhile cause Ian! Swim strong and be safe!

  • Todd and Catherine McKenzie

    Good luck!

  • Kurt Steger

    Good Luck Ian!

  • Todd & Terri Freeman

    Best wishes, Ian...quite a challenge!

  • Rico L

    We love and support your cause! Swim hard and leave them all behind in your wake. You got this!

  • Scott & Saija Searles

    Way to go Ian!

  • Five for Fighting

    Looking forward to Trivia Night!!

  • Dye Family

    Here’s to making BIG waves!!

  • Susan Suprise

    Should be a piece of cake compared to Sharkfest. I'm friends with your proud grandparents, Dave and Sue Lee, and am happy to support you in this worthy cause.

  • Head, Gut, or Groin

    Can’t wait for trivia!

  • Anonymous

    Great work Ian! We are so proud of all of your accomplishments!

  • Sandy Wiggert

    What an awesome thing!! (Your aunt is bragging about you!)

  • Dave and Sue Lee

    For Ellen Steger—stay strong and stay healthy. Love you Ian. Keep your eyes on the distant shore.

  • Dave and Sue Lee

    In Memory of Bob Stephenson, our friend who lost his battle with leukemia on March 3, 2021.

  • Candy & Spence Cattell

    Good luck, Ian! Happy to support you in reaching your goal and to MAKE YOU SWIM!

  • The Prestigiacomo Family

    Can’t wait to watch you swim the lake!!

  • Dr. Mark Halstead and Family

    Good luck, Ian! We hope you reach your goal!

  • Brady Nathan

    Good luck Ian!

  • Bixler Family

    Hoping to see you make your goal Ian!

  • Diane Lepak

    Good luck in your challenge, Ian. What an amazing cause. Hoping one day, through ground-breaking research, we can put an end to ALL cancers! God bless and good luck!

  • Bill & Julie Gardner

    Stay safe!!♥️

  • Abby Schmidt

    Good Luck Ian!

  • Stephanie Piwoni

    What a great cause! Go Ian!!

  • Keith and Tracy Schmitz

    Great cause, go Ian!!

  • marcia and dan vandenbrink

    Best of luck on the swim! Thank you for raising money for such a worthy cause!

  • Jane Savatski

    I so admire this challenge you are taking on! Best of luck Ian!

  • Jennifer Groos

    Thank you from your efforts!

  • Kate Moseng

    Happy to Support your cause Ian! You are awesome!

  • Todd Bushmaker

    From a patient to an advocate and aspiring oncologist, thank you!

  • John Meltz

    See you in Stockbridge!

  • Keller Family

    Amazing, Ian!

  • Nicholson Family

    Good luck Ian! We hope you reach your goal.

  • Jason Boutwell

    Ian - your mother is an old friend of mine. Most adults are sucker for a few things. 1) A kid who is a hustler and 2) crazy feats of physical endurance 3) a good cause. You found a way to do all three - way to go. Hoping you don't hit lakefly season or the fall algae blooms. Jason Boutwell a fan in North Dakota PS - I ran my first marathon for L&L

  • Dickens family

    WTG, Ian

  • Gallaher Family

    Go Ian!!! We are cheering from Nashville for ya! The Gallaher Family

  • Deborah Haas Johnson

    Amazing project Ian, good for you! When your mom and I were swimmers together long ago, we would never have been able to do anything like this! - Deb (Haas) Johnson

  • Heather Braun

    Good luck, Ian!

  • Melanie Cowlishaw

    Happy Early Birthday, Ellen!

  • VanderLoop Family

    Great job, Ian! Proud of you!

  • Shirley Hamilton

    Hello from Alabama! Happy to support this.

  • kim smarzinski

    The one reason we love sports/activities for our kids is that they give you the drive to always work harder, get better and hopefully gets you out of your comfort zone. We are so proud of you taking this on to raise money for your charity! it says a lot about YOU, your character and your family. We are happy to be apart of it:) I work with your mom and follow you in the paper for swimming. Cant wait for you to accomplish this feet!!! Kim, Brian Smarzinski and family

  • Tausha Sylver in Vermont

    Good work! Tausha in Vermont ??

  • Sean Goffard Family

    Our donation is in honor of our oldest son Sean who at the age of 22 is courageously battling T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma. He is amazingly strong and will kick cancer’s butt! Love you, Sean. PS, thank you for doing this!

  • Kristen Barry

    My husband, Dave, beat AML in 2019.

  • Mike and Susan Michlig

    Keep up the great work, Ian!

  • Tricia Boehlke

    Great cause, by a great person! Good luck with your swim Ian.

  • Clarence Harris

    Ian, thank you for your leadership and commitment to LLS! You have made your grandfather very proud! All the best, Lion Clarence

  • Kenneth Branstetter

    Swim Ian, SWIM !!!

  • Elizabeth Vitella

    Good Job Ian! From Surf Bagel in Lewes Delaware

  • Mark Tramontozzi

    Good luck

  • Erik Lee & Emily Van Dunk

    Thanks Ian for your work to raise $ for this important cause.

  • Gerald Ridle

    Pleased to support a noble cause and a terrific Grandson .

  • Bonnie and Harry Spiegelberg

    Good Luck Ian.

  • Sharnell Valentine

    Great Cause!! Good luck with your swim!

  • Laura Vandeweghe

    Go Ian go!!

  • Corrie Kassler

    Donation in honor of Eli

  • Blackburn Family

    Swim Ian Swim!

  • Vee Lee & Family

    Anything to help your cause Ian! Swim Strong.

  • Wittak Family

    Thank you IAN!!! So grateful, as our daughter, is a Leukemia survivor. What an amazing thing you are doing! Have a great Swim and we will all be cheering you on!

  • Syring Family

    Best of luck, Ian!

  • Wanda Meehan

    Ian wants to swim !

  • Heidi Van Dunk

    Swim strong, Ian!

  • Candice Cattell

    Happy to help you reach this all important goal!

  • Stacy Steger

    Swim Ian Swim!!

  • Peter Karofsky

    Go Ian. Peter and Kathy K

  • Kari & Jim Ridlehoover

    So close!! Let’s go Ian!

  • Tara Keesler

    Home stretch, Ian!

  • Alexis Platt

    Almost there, Ian!

  • Colleen and Richard

    Great and very funny comedians last week! Keep up the challenge! Colleen and Richard

  • Susan Schuldes

    What an awesome undertaking! Our daughter, Stephanie was diagnosed with ALL when she was seven weeks old and was treated with a chemotherapy protocol funded by LLC. We were very involved with LLS during her years of treatment as recipients and the for over fifteen years afterwards as volunteers. She is now 30 and perfectly healthy so she really benefited from LLS research. Susan Spiegelberg Schuldes

  • Ann Powell

    In support of Ian Ridlehoover swim.

  • Corey W Otis

    Go, Ian!

  • Amanda Nilsson

    Such an amazing thing you're doing, Ian!

  • Scott Weyenberg

    Good Luck Ian!

  • Sara Laumer

    Senior photo shoot

  • Colleen Correa

    Photo shoot

  • Cari Ullrich

    Go Ian!

  • Eileen Jekot

    In honor of my Uncle Jim who fought bravely against lymphoma

  • The Ridlehoover Family

    Proud of you Ian! Please don’t drown :-)

  • Ann Powell

    To support Ian Ridlehoover's swim. Good luck.

  • Amy Steinbach

    Go Ian!

  • Abigail Poliak

    Well done Ian! Great campaign!

  • John Thiel

    Love that you're doing this Ian!

  • Maria Mandt

    What a fantastic cause, Ian! Best of luck!

  • Nicholas "Chip" Retson

    Sounds like a great challenge for a worthy cause!

  • The Mitchells

    Go get em!

  • Robert Ferrante

    Good Luck Ian!

  • Anonymous

    Go Ian!

  • Keesler Krew

    Swim fast, Ian! The Keesler Family

  • Carolyn Cockroft

    Thanks Emily for allowing me to support such a worthy cause!

  • Keith Ristinen

    Nevada

  • Anonymous

    Great job and good luck!

  • Peapenburg Family

    Good Luck Ian! We are cheering for you and hope you reach your goal.

  • Tyler and Kristen Brown

    Good luck reaching your goal!

  • Anonymous

    From Kentucky

  • Amy Knuth

    Good Luck from Nebraska!

  • Amy Gabarra

    Good luck from RI

  • The Maddaloni Family

    Go Ian!

  • Anonymous

    Go Ian!!! Thanks for making a difference and giving hope.

  • Louis D Agnew

    Good luck Ian! Hope the weather is perfect. Can you eat while swimming? If so... start practicing (carefully) now😉

  • The Hodsons

    Thanks Ian! Best Wishes from the Hodson's.

  • L & P & E

    I hope you have to jump in a lake!

  • Jennifer Swoboda

    Amazing thing your doing Ian.

  • Jake Prestigiacomo

    I'm happy I can donate to a great cause to help Ian reach his goal!

  • Laura Westfall

    Good luck, Ian! At least you won't have to worry about doing flip turns in the lake :)

  • Heidi Van Dunk

    Thanks Ian!! You’re doing an amazing thing. Swim strong!

  • Nat Blaz

    For Ian’s campaign! From team GENES.

  • Todd, Susan and Allison Greeneway

    Great cause, looking forward to you reaching your goal. The Greeneway Family

  • Justin Stimpson

    Keep the pace! What an awesome thing to do!

  • Eileen Carr

    You are a wonderful person who gives me hope for the future (just like your amazing Auntie Sonja)

  • James J Schumacher

    Sonja told me about this; good cause and good luck! Watch out for the legendary Lake Winnebago water monster...

  • Amy Temple

    Best of luck Ian!!!! Donation coming from Arkansas.

  • Jonathan Olson

    Hi, Ian! We are friends with Dave and Sue Lee, and happy to help! We used to live in Green Bay, but now live in New Orleans, Louisiana, so can help you hit at least one more state! Congratulations on setting such an ambitious goal, and good luck! Jon & Patti Olson

  • Libby Nelson

    Thanks for doing this, Ian!

  • Anonymous

    In memory of Rick Sommer. The cure for his lymphoma wasn't available. Hopefully soon. Thank you Ian for helping to make a cure available one day.

  • Kristina Van Slyke

    Friends of the Dyes support your efforts.

  • Rechner Family

    Good luck!

  • patrick glover

    In honor of a great wife and friend!

  • Jennifer Quinn Broda

    Good luck, Ian!

  • Maren Ott

    Best of luck Patriot proud!

  • LIsa Dedrick

    Best of luck to you Ian! I’m donating in memory of my father in law Leo Dedrick, who lost his battle with leukemia! Lisa Dedrick🙏❤️

  • Mary Lee Rositch

    Thank you for your dedication. As a boater on Lake Winnebago and a former competitive swimmer I admire tour choice of venue. Keep your mouth closed and remeber to kick. Good Luck!! Keep us posted on exact dates qould love to see this in action. I donated in memory of my mother qho has quickly after a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia 2/4/2020.

  • Jennifer Szmanda

    Good luck!

  • Jodi LeMoine

    Good luck and be safe above all!!

  • Tracy Klug

    Saw this on WBAY this morning!! Wish I could do more!! Good luck and have an amazing swim!!

  • E. Marie Broussard

    Thank you for being so courageous and compassionate Ian!

  • Ann Bartelt

    Way to go! Totally believe you will meet and exceed your goal- Thanks for your inspiration and care for others. God bless!

  • Brianna Solis

    Even though I can’t donate as much money as I would want to, I know that any amount of money will help someone. I want to help people, and I encourage others to also do the same.

  • Dr Eileen

    Let’s do this! Go Ian!

  • Fallyn

    ??????

  • Sara Laumer

    Good luck Ian

  • Angela Manchester

    Good luck, Ian!

  • Patricia Acha

    As a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, I salute your swim! APhi Beta sister, NU 1983.

  • Laura Carter

    Way to go Ian!

  • The Bonikowske Family

    You are stronger than you know.

  • Colleen Lee

    Good luck Ian! LLS is such a great cause for you to be involved with! We are rooting for you and know you'll be taking that long Lake Winnebago swim! Take care, Colleen and Richard

  • Dave and Sue Lee

    In Memory of Brett Carroll who bravely battled manttle cell lymphoma for 8 years, going through many new treatments that he hoped would not only help him but others as well.

  • Beyer Family

    Swim strong!

  • Jeffery Ridlehoover

    Go get it, Ian!

  • Kris Horn

    Good luck Ian! What a great cause - thanks for making a difference!

  • William Walsh

    Great cause, Ian! For my money, you don’t even have to swim the lake! ?? Good luck!

  • Hurleys

    Amazing! Good luck, Ian!

  • Kavita Peavy

    Good Luck Ian!

  • Dumproff family

    Best of luck to you Ian!!

  • Elizabeth Franzoi

    Hi Ian! Your Mother has been taking amazing care of the Franzoi/Korth kids since 2002 at ThedaCare Peds - happy to support you in your quest to swim 'Bago for Student of the Year/LLS. Best of luck :) Drew, Bryn & Frank

  • CLAIRE ROBINSON

    Your Aunt Sonja has great fundraising skills! We're cheering you on from Michigan! -The Robinson Family

  • Rebecca Carl

    Way to go Ian!

  • Andrea Westergaard

    So excited for you, Ian!! I hope to be on this side of Winnebago with signs!!

  • Pat & Wanda Meehan

    Best of luck to achieve your goal . Pat & Wanda Meehan

  • Peter and Kathy

    Go Ian!

  • Parker Davis

    Ian, Keep your eye on the prize and your mouth closed in that nasty water. Cheering you on! Parker Davis Family

  • Jennifer Graham

    Go Ian! Oh and Reid says he wants to swim it with you! :)

  • Reene Sampson

    Moe says “I’m happy to help Ezra’s cousin swim across a lake...especially if it’s a dirty one!”

  • Diane Vaaler Withers

    I wish you all the best! Thanks for stepping up and showing others the courage and creativity of your efforts! Diane - (Sonja's neighbor)

  • Sonja Meehan

    Swim, Ian, swim!!!

  • Gerald Ridl

    Very happy to support a great cause and our Grandson IAN . Gerald & Kathy Ridlehoover

  • Karen Johnson

    Good luck Ian! I admire your efforts!

  • Scott & Saija Searles

    A little more to get you to the other side!

  • Hilary Lee

    Here's hoping you get to swim across that lake Ian!

  • Susan R Michlig

    Way to go, Ian! You are an inspiration to others!

  • Eileen jekot

    Go Ian Go Ian Go ian

  • David Stringham

    Go Ian Go! Your selfless generosity is an inspiration. Together we will find a cure!

  • Deborah Novak

    Way to go Ian! Good luck!

  • Brittany Golden

    Good luck buddy!!! You are gonna swim so well!

  • Joseph Neilitz

    Great job Ian. Keep up the good work!

  • Ron and Cindy Krimbel

    Watched Ian finish his swim in Stockbridge, great idea and very inspiring.

  • Kent and Debbie Sorensen

    You’re an amazing young man, Ian! Our little grandson, Finn, was just diagnosed last month. Thank you so much for all you’ve done to help this cause and generate awareness!

  • Katherine Carter

    Congratulations and thank you!!

  • Lou Hull

    Thank you!

  • Christina Nelson

    Kaine strong Oshkosh

  • Tammala J. Juul

    What a wonderful accomplishment! We wish you the best in your medical career. My husband is a retired Critical Care Paramedic and Assistant Fire Chief and I am an RN. We are fortunate to be at your finish line. Bless your heart, sweetheart. Best Wishes, Tammy and Mark Juul

  • Diane Huenink

    We are waiting at the Harbor Bar!

  • Cindy Uecker

    Oh my...I remember when you were just a baby! Great goals Ian!!!! You have a huge heart! From The Ueckers. (Previous neighbors on Elmview :)

  • OB Outdoors, LLC

    Thank you so much Ian. We wish you the best swim possible.

  • Barbara & Al Steger

    Congratulations Ian. Even if you don't make your goal, which I'm sure you will, you've alreadey succeeded. Philanthropy is a great habit, especially for young people like you. Don't ever stop.

  • Dana Lynn Bork

    Best wishes Ian!

  • Sharnell Valentine

    Get swimmin!

  • Kate & Jens Moseng

    Just thought we would drop a few more dollars to help you reach your goal’!

  • The Stanonik's

    Good luck!

  • Jamie L Schnurer

    You’ve got this Ian!

  • Thomas J. Lee

    Good luck , Ian!

Contact us by email or call 888.LLS.7177.