When "In Sickness and In Health" Happens at 33: Ryan’s Story
Mon Feb 02 2026
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses medical trauma, brain tumors, miscarriage, and infant loss.
"I’m going to be strong for you." It’s the vow every caregiver makes, but rarely do we talk about the crushing weight of that promise. Ryan Leonard joins me to pull back the curtain on what it’s actually like to be the "well-spouse." When his wife Cheryl—who had already survived two brain tumors—experienced a sudden, sharp pain just four months after the birth of their second child, their world shifted back into a nightmare they thought they had escaped.
Ryan opens up about the "beauty and the burden" of caregiving. We dive into the reality of medical gaslighting between oncologists and radiologists, the agonizing choice between life-saving treatment and the dream of having more children, and the moment Ryan had to swallow his pride to ask for help. This isn't a story of toxic positivity; it’s a raw look at marriage, resilience, and choosing love even when it feels like a heavy weight.
Connect with Guest: Instagram: @ryanlinks_
Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to help us continue bringing these stories to light.
🔹 New episodes drop every Monday!
🔹 Follow us on Instagram: @forthehayters
🔹 Submit your story: info@forthehayters.com
🔹 Grab some merch! beckyhayter.com
🔹 A KILLR Network podcast! killrentertainment.com
If you or someone you know needs support, please visit: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org | Call or text 988 National Brain Tumor Society: braintumor.org
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses medical trauma, brain tumors, miscarriage, and infant loss. "I’m going to be strong for you." It’s the vow every caregiver makes, but rarely do we talk about the crushing weight of that promise. Ryan Leonard joins me to pull back the curtain on what it’s actually like to be the "well-spouse." When his wife Cheryl—who had already survived two brain tumors—experienced a sudden, sharp pain just four months after the birth of their second child, their world shifted back into a nightmare they thought they had escaped. Ryan opens up about the "beauty and the burden" of caregiving. We dive into the reality of medical gaslighting between oncologists and radiologists, the agonizing choice between life-saving treatment and the dream of having more children, and the moment Ryan had to swallow his pride to ask for help. This isn't a story of toxic positivity; it’s a raw look at marriage, resilience, and choosing love even when it feels like a heavy weight. Connect with Guest: Instagram: @ryanlinks_ Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to help us continue bringing these stories to light. 🔹 New episodes drop every Monday! 🔹 Follow us on Instagram: @forthehayters 🔹 Submit your story: info@forthehayters.com 🔹 Grab some merch! beckyhayter.com 🔹 A KILLR Network podcast! killrentertainment.com If you or someone you know needs support, please visit: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988lifeline.org | Call or text 988 National Brain Tumor Society: braintumor.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.