Sometimes it’s really tough to be a 9-year-old. But for one Lake Havasu City 9-year-old, the last year has been tougher than anyone can imagine.

Ryett Van Cleave was diagnosed with Childhood Leukemia in April 2020 and has been undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital in Phoenix since then.

Thursday, Ryett came home to Lake Havasu City from Children’s Hospital.

He came home to a hero’s welcome and boy was he surprised.

Ryett’s family, friends, and local LHC police, fire, Mohave County Sheriff’s and EMS gathered on McCulloch Boulevard to escort him home.

The escort came together in a last-minute effort by Ryett’s aunt, Erin Van Cleave.

After arriving at their house, local law enforcement, family and friends greeted Ryett at his doorstep with a fireman’s helmet, police badges, stickers and hugs.

The family will spend time with him at Universal Studios this week.

Ryett’s mother, Lia Van Cleave, said the family has exhausted treatment options and looks forward to spending a lot of time together now.

Friends and family gather along McCulloch Boulevard to welcome Ryett Home. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene Magazine

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene Magazine

Jillian Danielson/RiverScene Magazine

Lake Havasu Law enforcement, fire department, and Mohave County Sheriff departments line McCulloch Blvd. to escort the VanCleave family home.

Family photo courtesy Lia VanCleave

Photo courtesy Erin VanCleave