Cherry Creek’s Rymer rallies to fight cancer for himself, others

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In 2021, Garrett Rymer was having a typical day for any teenager. He was riding his bicycle when he crashed and broke his right arm. He’d have to wear a cast and, when he returned for a checkup, although the bone had healed, he had a weakness in his arm that wouldn’t go away.

So, doctors at Children’s Hospital Colorado investigated and just two days before Christmas, his mom delivered the world-bending news that he had a rare form of spinal cord cancer.

It pulled a dark cloud over the holidays and his foreseeable future.

But, after countless appointments, treatment plans, and lengthy talks with several doctors, more than a year and a half later, Rymer, now 16, is doing well. He’s gearing up for the 6th annual Denver Open Water Swim put on by Swim Across America. In the Aug. 20 event, at Chat eld Reservoir in Littleton, participants swim to raise money for cancer research.

“Coming from someone who wouldn’t be alive today without the generous donations put toward cancer research, your involvement with Swim Across America might just save a life,” Rymer said.

Rymer is an ambassador for the nonpro t, and is currently on a campaign to help others like him. He is in high spirits also, feeling healthier after undergoing surgery to remove roughly 50% of the tumor from his spinal cord last year.

Rymer also participated in a clinical trial for a chemotherapy treatment that involved a new, twicedaily pill, meaning he wouldn’t have to face weekly infusions.

“ e side-e ects were less severe than those of conventional chemo, and I was blessed to be able to keep my hair and live my life relatively unhindered by my treatment,” Rymer said.

e remaining tumor hasn’t grown. In fact, it has even shrunk a tad thanks to the new treatment.

Rymer said this news is incredible considering chemotherapy isn’t known to shrink tumors; it typically just stunts their growth. Now, he is in the watchful, monitoring stage, with check-ups every three months or so.

His school work hasn’t su ered either. e Cherry Creek High School junior is a standout in science and mathematics, and has won two Bruins Choice Awards from his school for excellence in his studies. His parents describe him as absolutely thriving — academically, physically, socially, and spiritually — in spite of

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his cancer.

He called me from his family’s summer home in Michigan ahead of his Swim Across America event. e soon-to-be Eagle Scout discussed his own battle and his passion for helping others with cancer.

First of all, how are you doing? It seems like things might be looking up for you. I’m great. It’s nice to be out and resting. I’ve had a pretty busy summer, kind of going all over the place. I had some appointments, some

SEE RYMER, P12

Yoga in the Park

Join RidgeGate and South Suburban Parks and Recreation for free community yoga classes on the grass at the south end of Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own mat, water bottle and towel to all classes. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled.

Tuesday, August 29th, 6:30-7:30pm

Guided Nature Hikes

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Thursday, August 24th, 6-7:30pm – Leave No Trace

Wednesday, August 30th, 7-8:30pm – Blue Moon

Saturday, September 2nd, 7:30-9pm – Snacks Under the Stars

Friday, September 8th, 5:30-7pm – Reptiles in the Region

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Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch

The restoration of the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, led by the Schweiger Ranch Foundation, gives us a glimpse into settlers’ lives. Today, the ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits and a variety of events throughout the year. Register for or learn more about these events online at SchweigerRanch.org

Saturday, August 19th, 10-11am – Guided Public Tour

Saturday, August 19th, 6-7:30pm – Campfire Storytelling Series (Ranger Trey)

Wednesday, August 30th, 7-8:30pm – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Blue Moon & Bats)

Saturday, September 9th, 10-11am – Guided Public Tour)

Saturday, September 23rd, 6-7:30pm – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Urban Coyotes)