Cancer Takes Chef Ryan Hidinger but Can't Defeat His Heart for Others

Ryan Hidinger never quit. The big-hearted young chef juggled big plans with wife Jennifer -- cheffing at Muss & Turner's, hosting weekend supper club dinners for paying guests at their home, developing Staplehouse restaurant and spearheading The Giving Kitchen initiative to assist restaurant workers with medical expenses -- all while undergoing aggressive treatment for a contentious cancer. On January 9, cancer stole his life but not his plans and dreams.

Backtrack a year to December 2012 when the 35-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 gallbladder cancer. Rather than give in to despair, Ryan and Jennifer continued to forge ahead with determination. In addition to chemo, days and nights were consumed by blogging, lecturing, cooking, fundraising as Team Hidi, and working with Ryan Turner of Muss & Turner's to turn the Staplehouse idea into a reality that would channel profits to helping hospitality industry workers facing catastrophic illnesses. In addition to inspiring so many, Hidinger leaves a legacy in Staplehouse, which has been funded by a large consortium of Atlanta restaurant groups. Ryan, we will miss you, and we thank you for giving your all. Read more about this inspiring chef and join us in our commitment to remembering Ryan by supporting The Giving Kitchen.