Area locals Ramon and Kendall Ymalay have woven a tapestry of life together that spans continents, challenges, and profound moments of growth. Their journey began in college circa 1999, a meeting that set the stage for a future marriage that would be
defined by resilience, adventure, and a deep-seated love for exploring the world.

After marrying in 2007, Ramon, an Ashland native, and Kendall soon began embarking on a path that eventually led them home. In 2014, the Ymalays settled in Ashland when Ramon accepted a position as a neonatologist––a role he continues to fill at UK King’s
Daughters in addition to serving as the current Director of Pediatrics.

Although they’ve called this area home for more than a decade now, the Ymalays have a deep belief that life should be lived and experienced across the globe. Thus, in their spare time, Ramon, Kendall, and their two children Zack and Lucy can be spotted
traveling bravely, and sometimes spontaneously, to a multitude of different destinations.
“We love to travel and have always loved to travel. We believe that the way we think, speak, look, eat, and pray is not the only way to do life. We love to experience different cultures, see different things, and explore,” said Kendall.

This harmony in their approach to life's adventures became even more significant following a life-altering accident during a trip to Zimbabwe, Africa, in 2022. After attending Mass on Father's Day of that year, the Ymalays’ world shifted when Kendall
was struck by a Land Cruiser, an accident that could have claimed her life, and left her with severe injuries–– including the loss of her left heel.

For almost two years after, travel took a backseat while the Ymalays were forced to navigate the road to recovery. It was an arduous road, spanning weeks of hospital stays, numerous surgeries, and grueling physical therapy sessions. However, Kendall's
determination to reclaim her mobility, combined with the unwavering care of her husband, family, and friends, became a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

In April 2024, their return to international travel occurred when the Ymalays ventured to Iceland for an unforgettable exploration of its natural wonders. For eight days they traveled around Iceland’s famous ‘Ring Road’, combining as many exhilarating
moments as possible into the trip.
For those who are curious, the famous ‘Ring Road’ is an 820-mile loop connecting most of Iceland’s towns and villages. It’s a road trip renowned for its variety of scenery, passing many of Iceland’s most iconic sites.
“We hiked to an ice cave, went dog sledding, went horseback riding, took a helicopter tour, and went to two hot springs–including the famous Blue Lagoon,” Ramon said.
In order to do as much as they could in eight days, the Ymalays rented a car and changed cities each day, visiting places like Reykjavík, Eiðar, Akureyri, Snæbýli, and Hvammstangi. Kendall’s favorite Icelandic excursion was being able to hike to an ice
cave over uneven ground. “Because of my prior injury, I literally didn’t know if I could do it. The fact that I was able to do it and actually went inside the ice cave was huge! I was so proud of myself!”

For Ramon, his favorite Icelandic excursion was dog sledding. “It’s always been a dream of mine to go dog sledding. The whole excursion was amazing. We were also able to play with the Siberian Huskies and their puppies.”
Kendall gives full credit to Ramon when it comes to planning their travel. “Ramon has complete control over the plans,” she said. “He investigates Airbnbs, reads endless travel blogs, and is constantly looking at flights. I cannot tell you the number of times I
have opened my eyes in the morning to Ramon telling me what trip he has booked and what time we’re leaving,” she laughed!

When asking for travel tips, the Ymalays’ top piece of travel advice is this: “Expect things to go wrong. The saying is true, ‘Man plans, God laughs,’ and no matter how much you plan, the weather will change or there will be a delay of some kind. So, go
with the flow, but still take the trip and do the thing! Afterward, you won’t regret doing it, but you will regret not doing it.”

For Ramon and Kendall, travel is a philosophy—a reminder to always consider the impermanence of life and to experience as much life as you can. Their upcoming plans reflect this ethos, with an18-day Mediterranean cruise just on the horizon. Following
this, they have their sights set on visiting every Walt Disney Park worldwide within 15-days. In recounting their experiences, one can't help but marvel at their courage, determination, and love for adventure. Their story is a testament to the enduring power
of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative potential of travel.

To read more about the Ymalays’ travel destinations as well as the details of Kendall’s accident and recovery, please visit www.thesmallworldfamily.com.