When 31-year-old Ryan Silverman took a job as a registered nurse at the NICU at Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, he knew he’d be caring for sick babies.

But, he never thought he’d be the one in need of help.

“I’m the one who tries to pick up extra shifts and help out,” said Silverman.  “Over the last several months it’s been very difficult to pick up one or two shifts a week, due to fatigue and other issues like that.”

In May, Silverman, who is married with a 1-year-old daughter, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma which is a rare type of bone cancer that mainly affects children and adolescents.

After hearing about his diagnosis, his colleagues did what they do best, and started taking care of him.

“We are all just so upset, we just couldn’t imagine,” said Kristin Clopton, RN.  “He just got married, has a new baby, so we just wanted to find the best way to come together and raise money for him.” 

Silverman’s coworkers said while they know they can’t cure their friend of cancer, they’re doing everything they can to help him with his battle.

The nurses and staff at the hospital have donated sick and vacation hours for him to use so he can focus on getting better.

“I don’t want him to worry about whether he needs to come into work,” said Kelly Flowers, RN. “I want him to take care of himself and focus on what he needs because we’ll be here for him.”

To help pay for his medical expenses, his co-workers organized a fundraiser, that’s being held this weekend.

Silverman said his co-workers are a blessing.

“At this point and time I’m not stressing,” he said.  “I’m able to focus on healing and getting better.”

Silverman said he wants to get well and return to work full-time.

“They can’t get rid of me,” he said.  “It’s going to be one of those things where I’m going to fight to get through this, and I’m going to be a survivor of it.”

The fundraiser to help Silverman is being held Saturday, at the Sandbar Restaurant on Anna Maria Island from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The cost to attend is a minimum $10 donation at the door.

His colleagues have set up an account for Silverman at Wells Fargo Bank, identified as "FBO Silverman Family Donation Account."

Donations are also being accepted online.