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Help Ryan & his family

  • Ryan is flying free

      26 March 2021
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    Dear everyone who has supported Vikki, Ryan and the family.

    We have sad news.

    Ryan took his last breath this morning gently and peacefully at home with Vikki and his brother Callum beside him. Vikki says he came into the world easily and gently and left the same way.

    Ryan's send off will be at Hamilton Gardens Pavilion at 1pm on Tuesday 30 March. We are all welcome.

    This is the last photo Vikki has of Ryan well.

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    • 26/03/2021 by Glenda

      Rest well Ryan , you rode the wave beautifully. I will never forget your strength, you and your family are an example to me of the best of humanity - for the rest of my life. Arohanui

    • 26/03/2021 by Martin

      What a brave and wonderful young man. So sorry for your loss. Robert Kennedy quoting a Greek poet once said, "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God." I wish you that wisdom and peace.

  • NZ Herald follows up on Ryans Journey 14 March 2021

      14 March 2021
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    There is an article in today's Sunday Herald where Ryan speaks candidly about what the past months have been like for him.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12428255

    The family wants to express their deep appreciation for all of our help - for the meals that some of us drop off, the home baking, the cafe treats, the take out treats that arrive with mates coming to see Ryan, the regular kind messages of care and support. Thank you everyone.

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  • Hospital 22/23 February

      24 February 2021
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    Today Ryan is comfortable at home after 2 days / 1 night in hospital. He now has a permanent drain fitted which will help to manage the ascites which has been causing a lot of his discomfort. While there, he also had a blood transfusion because his hemoglobin still hadn't recovered from the hemorrhaging 5 weeks ago.

    Ryan is very happy to be home and will be up to seeing visitors after a couple of days rest and recuperation. A reminder from the family to please arrange visits beforehand as Ryan does need to manage medications, meals and medical appointments.

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  • 3 hospital visits in 5 days - an update 11 Feb 2021

      11 February 2021
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    Ryan has a build up of fluids which his liver is unable to process now. This condition is called 'ascites'. Last week Ryan had over 2.3 liters of fluid drained at Waikato Hospital and he is now awaiting a permanent drain to be inserted.

    The good news is that there has been no further sign of any internal bleeding which was the immediate concern around the time of his birthday in mid January.

    Thank you all for your love and concern. All the support Ryan and the family are receiving are helping him to be comfortable and peaceful while being house bound and now pretty much bed bound. With our help, Ryan has bought himself a tv, sound bar, gaming computer, phone, new mattress and magic cards - all things that entertain him and that support him to engage with friends. He's also bought lots of uber eats which have been wonderful as Ryans body, and his needs, are constantly changing.

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  • An update - 19 January

      19 January 2021
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    Ryan's 23rd birthday was on January 16th and Vikki wanted to keep the focus of the day on celebration not the sad turn of events that had just happened. Now we can let everyone know that on the 15th, after being rushed to the Waikato Emergency Department, they were told that Ryan is in all likelihood in End Days now. Ryan's birthday was overlaid by deep sadness as he & Vikki told close family and friends the news.

    Ryan recently posted this on his Facebook page. Such deep aroha/love and incredible kaha/strength....

    Thank you for all the birthday wishes. That being said, I have to be the bearer of bad news. I was in hospital on the 15th due to an escalation in my condition and I have internal bleeding. So these are my last days and I would like you all to know it has been an absolute pleasure to walk this Earth with all of you. I believe I've lived a good life with enough rough spots to make me tough enough to fight through changing times. I've found no matter how dark the world gets its always worth it, every day is a gift that can bring warmth and a comfort. Thank you all for making this life that much more worth it. You absolute legends and heroes. Love you all and may you find peace in these odd days we live in.

    Pic is Ryan on his 23rd birthday 16 January 2021

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    • 19/01/2021 by Willemien

      Dear Ryan, thank you for being such an incredible person. You may not remember me...we only met a few times several years ago, but I'm a friend of your mum. You have been an inspiration for me..and my family...with your courageous battle..I don't have words to say what I feel about the way you have handled this...but it fills my soul with deep warmth.

      I wanted to write these words for you; a quote by Kahlil Gibran:

      'The reality of life is life itself

      whose beginning is not in the womb

      and whose ending is not in the grave

      for the years that pass

      are naught but a moment

      in eternal life

      and the world of matter

      and all in it

      is but a dream'

      Ryan, my husband Jos died in an accident nearly 14 years ago... Say hi to him when you see him... a big wonderful kind guy, my soul mate..

      With much love

      Willemien

  • Happy Birthday Ryan - 16 January 2021

      16 January 2021
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    23 years old today! Ryan wants a quiet day at home with family after a fairly traumatic experience in ED yesterday. Please message him or contact Vikki if you would like to visit over the next few days.

    Ryan enjoyed New Year at home with friends and Christmas was also celebrated at home with family.

    Thank you all for your love and support for Ryan and his family. Happy birthday!

    (Picture ; Christmas Day 2020)

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  • Pre Christmas Update

      29 December 2020
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    Ryan's steroid medication is working very well for him providing the dual actions of reducing internal inflammation and increasing his energy levels. Just before Christmas he felt well enough to travel to the beach with mates for a few days and be home in time to recover for Christmas Day with family.

    Thank you everyone for helping to make trips away like this possible for Ryan. I know he appreciates every single one of us.

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  • Christmas Surprise for Ryan - an update 18 Nov

      18 November 2020
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    I recently visited Vikki and Ryan at the new house and they are happily settled in there. Ryan is looking great! Vikki tells me that his Care Team are excellent and that a new medication is helping reverse his jaundice tremendously. Yesterday, he woke with a virus and he's already started antibiotics for that.

    Vikki is currently creating a Christmas gift for Ryan. PLEASE KEEP THIS PROJECT SECRET SO IT IS A SURPRISE FOR HIM. She is creating a book of our heartfelt messages for him. What does Ryan mean to you? How has he impacted your life? Sometimes it is easier for us to write the thoughts we rarely say to one another. Here's our chance to do that.

    If you visit the house, Vikki has paper (A5) that you can use and leave with her. She will not read these. Rest assured, they will be for Ryan's eyes only.

    Everyone is invited to contribute so if you are not able to visit, feel free to send your message to Vikki and she'll include it. Her contact details are blundellvl@gmail,com or txt 027 284 2562

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  • Ryan is moving house 20 Oct

      16 October 2020
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    The owners of the house Ryan, Vikki, Grant and Connor are renting did not extend the tenancy. So, the family has found a new place which Vikki tells me is a great improvement as it has a lovely garden which they will all enjoy now that it is getting warmer. Central heating will ensure Ryan is comfortable and they'll use the study as a guest room for any visitors wishing to stay overnight.

    The new house is unfurnished and while Hospice Waikato is helping, its a great relief to the family that our GiveaLittle support is here for them to establish another home base. If anyone has surplus furniture, please contact Vikki directly.

    Ryan has decided to discontinue treatments so our focus is on helping him to be as comfortable and free of stress as is possible.

    Thank you everyone for your love and support.

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  • THANK YOU All from Ryan 26 Sep

      26 September 2020
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    Ryan posted this on his FB page during the week ....... 'To those that have showed their support during the past few months and those that have helped out with the Give a Little, I just wanted to say thank you. You've allowed me to spend the rest of my days in peace and comfort. You legends 😃

    Vikki tells me that she's bought Ryan a special cushion from Hamilton's Mobility Center. Standing too long is uncomfortable for him, and so is sitting - especially if there is insufficient padding. With this extra, special layer, Ryan is comfortable watching movies or keeping in touch with friends.

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  • Special Outing 13 September

      13 September 2020
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    Ryan loves a good cuppa. Today he went to the Zealong Tea Estate with the family and enjoyed the Tea Tour followed by High Tea.

    Ryan starts to feel quite uncomfortable if traveling too far so experiences like this are ideal. He aims to go out more this week while he can, before his third treatment on the 22nd.

    Thank you all so very much for your love and support. I know Ryan, Vikki and the family appreciate it immensely.

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    • 14/09/2020 by Glenda

      Hope you enjoyed your tea. Meaning to go there myself. All my very best for your next treatment. Kia Kaha Ryan !!💐🙏

  • Treatment #2 1 September

      2 September 2020
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    Yesterday Ryan received his second treatment. After a fairly rough evening and morning, he's gingerly up and about this afternoon.

    Ryan's initial 4 treatments consist of two drugs given intravenously one after the other, every three weeks. One is designed to activate his immune system and one to inhibit the development of new blood vessels supplying the cancer.

    Ryan received one infusion successfully but the other caused him 7/10 pain (on the pain scale) and after 3 attempts with various pre-meds to combat the situation and an exhaustingly long time at the hospital, Ryan said enough.

    After the third treatment planned for later this month, Ryan will have an MRI to see how effective the medicine is.

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  • Recovery week 12th August

      13 August 2020
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    Vikki tells me that Ryan is getting used to having the medicine in his system and is noticing some physical changes. It's very early days and so far, there are no side effects. He does need lots of rest and to stay home. (Driving home from the hospital post-treatment was very uncomfortable for him.)

    Ryan loves playing Magic so today Vikki bought him more cards to add to his collection.

    I enjoy reading all your messages of love and support for Ryan, Vikki and the family. Thank you so very much.

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    • 13/08/2020 by Glenda

      All our very best Ryan with your treatments and recovery!! Kia kaha to you and family.

  • Treatment #1 11th August

      11 August 2020
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    Today Ryan received his first treatment. It was expected to take 90 minutes but because of complications getting the line in after the first treatment, it took well over 5 hours. Ryan is home and feeling very tired. Next treatment is in 3 weeks time.

    Thank you everyone for your love and support.

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    • 11/08/2020 by Dee

      We're with you in spirit

    • 12/08/2020 by Willemien

      Thinking of you and your family Arohanui Willemien

    • 12/08/2020 by Gabriella Bakk-Higgins

      To clarify - I understand that Ryan's treatment consists of 2 drugs given intravenously one after the other.