Cyris’s Story
Cyris Baraniuk has faced challenges since birth. Born with a congenital heart condition, he spent much of his childhood in and out of BC Children’s Hospital for treatments and surgeries. Despite these obstacles, he remained positive and determined to live as normally as possible. As he approached his high school graduation, another hurdle appeared—he was scheduled for open-heart surgery, a significant procedure with serious risks. Wanting to make sure he didn’t miss out on this important milestone, his mom, Tanya, reached out to the Hell Yeah Prince George admin team to see if a special graduation ceremony could be arranged before his surgery.
The response from the community was overwhelming. Local businesses and individuals came together, donating gowns, decorations, photography, and more to create a meaningful celebration. On that day, surrounded by family, friends, and supporters, Cyris had his moment—walking across the stage in his cap and gown, receiving his diploma with a smile. It was a moment of joy and accomplishment, a chance for him to experience something every graduate should, no matter what challenges they face.
Shortly after the ceremony, Cyris and his mom traveled to Vancouver for his surgery, but unexpected news changed everything. Routine tests revealed a brain tumor, which was later diagnosed as a growth secreting pituitary tumor. This meant his heart surgery had to be postponed while he underwent brain surgery first. It was a difficult time for Cyris and his family—his mom, Tanya, his dad, Stephen, and his brother, Gage all had to adjust to a new reality and support him through yet another medical battle. But they remained hopeful, taking each challenge one step at a time.
Now 20 years old, Cyris has overcome both surgeries and is managing life with congestive heart failure. He continues to move forward, making the most of every day. His story is a reminder of why accessible cardiac care is so important. If support and treatment could be available closer to home, it would ease the burden for families like his, reducing the need for long-distance travel. Cyris’s journey isn’t over, but thanks to the support of his family and community, he faces the future with resilience and hope.
