Ryan’s childhood cancer journey and the care, expertise and donor support helping him through treatment at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Ryan was a bright, energetic eight-year-old who loved cooking, footy, and racing around the backyard with his older brother, Josh. Curious and creative, he was happiest with something bubbling away on the stove.
But in October 2024, everything changed.
Ryan began appearing unusually pale and tired, and one night mentioned a pain in his side – an uncommon complaint from a boy who rarely says anything is wrong.
Trusting their instincts, his parents, Cara and Ben, took him to the GP. An X-ray revealed something concerning, and they were urgently referred to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW).
After days of scans and tests, the family received the devastating news that Ryan had a tumour. Further testing confirmed T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma – a fast-growing cancer that affects the blood and immune system. Their whole world shifted overnight.
Their oncologist, Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza, guided them through that moment with honesty and compassion. Cara recalls that he offered steady reassurance - letting Ryan know that while he would get sick for a while, the team would be with him every step of the way to help him get better. It was a moment that grounded the whole family during an incredibly uncertain time.
Ryan began intensive chemotherapy straight away. The early phase brought long hospital stays, painful reactions to medication and, at one point, temporary loss of mobility.
Cara and Ben alternated nights in hospital while juggling work, parenting, and supporting both of their boys.
Philanthropy plays a meaningful role in supporting the treatment and recovery of kids like Ryan.
Support from Hospitals United for Sick Kids is helping expand the use of precision dosing of anticancer therapy – a personalised approach that measures how a child’s body processes key medicines and safely adjusts doses.
Paediatric oncology experts say this approach is reshaping childhood cancer care across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN), helping reduce long-term side effects.
Donor support also sustains the specialised teams who became part of Ryan’s daily life – physiotherapists, child life therapists and nurses whose care brought comfort on the hardest days.
After eight months of intensive treatment, Ryan transitioned to maintenance therapy, which he continues today. One year on from his diagnosis,
Cara’s message to other families is simple: “Take each day as it comes, and use the support around you.”
She says she’ll never forget the role philanthropy played in Ryan’s recovery: “Every bit really does add up.”
Help sick kids like Ryan get back home to the things they miss most. Head into Coles Supermarkets and round up at the checkout or purchase a participating product like Mum’s Sause to show your support.
