The Life and Legacy of Mark Rypien
    
     The year 1991 was a memorable year for Spokane native Mark Rypien.   From an outsider's perspective - The NFL Quarterback was on top of the world.  Rypien led his team, the Washington Redskins to victory in Superbowl XXVI.  He was crowned Most Valuable Player of the game that year.  Praise and glory became a big part of his life.  The pro-athlete, husband and young father inked a 9 million dollar contract shortly after the win, securing  him top spot on the team for years to come.
   


     
      The injuries came first, the biggest blow came shortly thereafter.  Rypien's infant son, Andrew was diagnosed with cancer. Andrew had a cancerous brain tumor that would take
aggressive treatment to kill.

   
      Months later, his wife Annette was told she had cervical cancer. "It was crazy to think I could try to juggle both. We had to make sure Andrew's best friend, his mother, his closest bond, was getting better. That was the most important thing at the time." Rypien said.  While Annette's health improved, Andrew's did not.  On August 22, 1998 Andrew joined the other little angels in Heaven.

      Rypien will be the first to tell you- the pain never goes away.  Holidays, birthdays and other special occasions are constant reminders of his son, Andrew. While the grieving was immense, time has a way of healing a person's pain.  "Through tragedy you learn a lot about yourself, you learn a lot about others," says Rypien.

     For Mark, a man that has led his team to SuperBowl history it would seem fitting that he would take this tragedy and turn it into something profound in memory of his beloved son.  In 2004 the Rypien Foundation was established.  The Foundation provides hope and help to families who are fighting childhood cancer. In the last 8 years the Foundation has raised millions of dollars to support local programs here in the Inland Northwest. http://www.markrypienfoundation.org/

     Through his celebrity, Mark has found many believers to support his cause.  While
he is always raising funds for children battling cancer throughout the year, there are two major
events that many  look forward to every year.  

     The Zak Charity Open is a 2- day event that involves Mark's second favorite sport, golf.

The Zak Charity Open www.zakcharityopen.org/ and The Winemaker's dinner bring hundreds of Rypien fans, family and friends together to enjoy a 5- course meal with the region's best winemaker's sharing their passion of wine.  I feel blessed to be a part of both of these fabulous events that raise money to make such a big difference in others lives during a time that is so emotional for a family. 

                          

     The Rypien Foundation cares about their community.
The Foundation partnered with local hospitals, Providence Sacred Heart and Medical Center and Children's Hospital to provide families comfort through the  Rypien Foundations Children's Emergency Center.  This center takes away the fear of walking into a cold and sterile hospital. Children and their families have their own Emergency Room equipped with a Cinema, where kids can watch movies to take their minds off the disease they are fighting.   IV Backpacks and Audiology Equipment has also been purchased to help children deal with this traumatic experience as easily as possible.

      Mark Rypien has lived his life in the spotlight for more than 2 decades now.  While many may see him as a champion on the football field... others see him as a bigger champion for children... especially those who battled a disease much like his son Andrew.