Help Ryan Rebuild His Life After Stroke leading to Locked-In Syndrome

$5,000 donated

Given by 101 generous donors in around 4 months

Survived a massive stroke, Ryan is now battling Locked-In Syndrome—needs intensive therapy to regain movement, speech, and independence.

Whangarei, Northland

My brother Ryan had an pontine & cerebellar stroke caused by a vertebral artery dissection, which led to locked-in syndrome. Ryan was asked and had the choice if he wanted to continue and he chose life. After being intubated for a little over week Ryan made the choice to come off the oxygen and take his chances at breathing alone.

He did it and now we’re here, 6 months stay on the stroke ward at Whangarei hospital suffering “Locked In Syndrome” the next step is to be discharged into residential care, most intensive therapies will stop there. Strokes are not covered by disability in NZ meaning we have little to no funding to access to be able provide Ryan with proper rehabilitation after he leaves the hospital. Discharge at this point will be early next year, 2026.

Ryan needs funds to continue to heal, he has started making noises meaning the further we continue speech therapy the more likely he is to be able to speak again. He can move his arms, he can smile, move his neck from side to side and shake his head up and down; these are all things the doctors told us were impossible and wouldn’t happen. He is beating those odds.

Ryan has overcome so many adversities in life and now he is faced with the biggest battles yet, to learn to speak again, and to move his arms to regain independence.

To be able to support him we are asking for donations to provide better rehab and further care.

Ryan is determined to regain a life of independence, please help us in helping him.

Demelza Scott's involvement (page creator)

Ryan is my older and only brother.

Use of funds

Speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, wheelchair and mobility aids, communication aids, medicines and tube feeds, braces for arms and legs. Suitable clothing. Travel costs for Ryan and his mum Debra Scott.

Latest update

Discharge is finally here!!! 8 February 2026

Hey All! A small update on Ryan & his progress.

We are happy to be gearing up for discharge this week; Ryan will sadly be leaving his home of Whangarei to a beautiful rehabilitation facility in the outskirts of Auckland, there he will get to enjoy home life again, living with a small group of others working towards personal independence & enjoyment of life. Ryan is looking forward to having his own room, out of the way of beeping machines, constant noise, grief and general hospital life. It’s been a long 8 months but the progression made in that time is outstanding.

Ryan now spends most of his days sitting in his wheelchair, he is communicating verbally with more words being added to his vocabulary each day. Ryan’s able to use his left hand quite well, his right is following along nicely and we are nothing but positive for the rest of his recovery.

For Ryan, leaving Whangarei will be sad, he has built up a beautiful community of support within the hospital, church & his life pre-stroke:

We want to shout out Isaak, his mate for being a pillar of strength and support for Ryan, his mum and sister. We can’t thank you enough Isaak, your the definition of a true friend.

Whangarei Hospital - The specialist, ICU team, the amazing nurses, care providers, social workers, OT team, cleaners, - every single person at the Hospital who helped Ryan progress - thank you deeply and dearly.

There aren’t words for what you’ve done, how you’ve supported and advocated for Ryan.

Aroha Nui

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