Former ATEC President Ryan Goertzen Recovering from Brain Surgery

The community is rallying around one of our own, Ryan Goertzen, a long-time friend of ATEC and former president. Ryan has been sidelined by a cavernous malformation—a brain bleed requiring surgery at the Mayo Clinic on Oct. 14. Though his condition has stabilized, he now faces the long and challenging road of recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

Ryan served on ATEC's executive committee from 2014 to 2022, including four years as president. During his leadership, the association saw significant growth, more than tripling its membership and quadrupling its budget. He was instrumental in driving legislative efforts for part 147 reform and was a key figure in the creation of ATEC’s sister foundation, Choose Aerospace, where he continues to serve as president.

Post surgery, Ryan is currently relearning basic functions like walking and talking, and although the road ahead is long, his family is encouraged to see more of his personality returning each day. In the coming week, Ryan will be transferred to a traumatic brain injury rehabilitation facility in Lincoln, where he will continue to heal and regain his mobility. 

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support the Goertzen family with the costs of travel and temporary housing so they can remain close during his treatment. To offer your support, visit the GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/fafb5841.

Let’s keep Ryan, Jenny, and their three boys—Jake, Josh, and Jack—in our thoughts and prayers as they face this long journey together.