The Vladimir Award

Since January 2015, the Leah Ryan Fund has offered The Vladimir Award, an annual $5,000 grant for writers facing medical emergencies. At the beginning of her treatment for leukemia and with her characteristic humor, Leah Ryan named her IV pole Vladimir, a nod to the Russian writers she loved. It was Leah’s wish that this emergency fund be created.

Recipients remain anonymous, and the Leah Ryan Fund works with the Author’s League Fund to administer the grant.