Granbury musician Ryan Hamilton diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma

Ryan Hamilton, a Granbury-based singer-songwriter, is currently recovering at home after a diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma in leukemic form. The 45-year-old artist is known for his work with the local bands Smile Smile and People on Vacation.

Hamilton released his latest studio album, Haunted By American Dreams, in July. The record was issued on Wicked Cool Records, a label founded by Van Zandt, who is widely known as “Little Steven.”

In late September, Hamilton experienced severe abdominal pain that led him to an emergency room in Granbury. Medical staff discovered that his spleen had enlarged to a size they described as rare, noting they had rarely, if ever, seen such an expansion. Doctors stated they did not understand how the organ had not ruptured, a failure that would likely have been fatal.

Following his initial admission, Hamilton was transferred to an intensive care unit in Fort Worth. He spent nearly a week in critical care before moving to an oncology floor. He remained on that unit for another week to stabilize before being discharged to return home to his daughter, Della.

Hamilton described his physical state during a statement, saying, “I’ve never been so thin. I’ve never been so weak.” He added that he has never been more thankful to be alive.

The musician has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of his ongoing treatment. He explained that he wants to be present to watch his daughter grow up and to continue writing songs and performing shows. “I have a lot to fight for,” Hamilton said. “I’m a dad, and more than anything else in this world, I want to be here to watch my daughter grow up.”