Ryan Michael Sorek was a passionate and dedicated individual who saved many lives during his time as a paramedic.
After graduating from the UCLA Daniel Freeman Paramedic program in 2002, Ryan worked as a paramedic in California while staying current on all of the latest procedures and protocols. He later accepted a position as a paramedic with Hennepin County Medical Center in Minnesota, where he moved in 2005 to start a family.
On the morning of March 9, 2007, Ryan was found unresponsive in his home where he returned after a particularly stressful and late shift. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful and it was later determined that the cause of Ryan's death was lymphocytic myocarditis as the result of an on-duty exposure at the young age of 25.
To honor Ryan's memory and to keep his drive and passion alive in the emergency medicine community, his family and friends have established the Ryan M. Sorek Memorial Scholarship to support the education of future students at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care Paramedic Program.
While his daughter Danika remains his living legacy, supporting the education of future paramedics will ensure that Ryan's drive and passion will live on and continue to affect the lives of many.
Join us in honoring Ryan's memory and his continued commitment to the care and comfort of others.