ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
THE MAN
Ron Nieto was a husband, father, son, and brother as well as a friend to many. Ron was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a proud alumni of Florida State University. He was both an educator and innovator, spending the bulk of his career working with bringing technology to students throughout Florida and the Southeast. Ron was a man of faith and active with his church. Finally, Ron was an athlete earning the designation of “Ironman” in the 2014 Ironman Florida triathlon.
HIS LEGACY
We have all questioned why bad things may have happened to a person. Sometimes the reason is evident but then other times the reason is wholly unexplained. In 2015, with no warning or apparent cause, Ron began his battle with cancer. To say this was a shock to Ron and his family and friends would be an understatement. Ron was a healthy, active individual who was impacted with a disease that would ultimately claim his life. Situations like what happened to Ron are truly unexplained mysteries with no apparent concern for fairness.
HIS PASSIONS
Despite a medical condition that would cause a lesser person to throw in the towel and give up, Ron fought on. Ron had a great network of family and friends for support, however, in many situations it was Ron’s strength that comforted and energized his family and friends while he battled for his life. In a somewhat cruel twist of fate Ron seemingly beat cancer only to have it return. However, during this whole time from initial diagnosis, to remission to the final recurrence, Ron continued to live his life. He continued to be a husband and father, going on family trips, attending his kids ballgames and activities, Ron kept living. It is the perseverance that Ron showed to us all that is the basis behind the term “RonStrong”.