Ryan's journey to recovery

On 27th December 2020 while enjoying a well-deserved family holiday, 16-year-old Ryan suffered a sudden brain bleed. After family keeping Ryan alive with CPR, he was airlifted to Waikato Hospital where he had surgery to relieve the pressure from his brain. He spent just over a week in ICU in a coma, and continues to receive full time care at Waikato Hospital. Ryan will require many months of intensive rehabilitation at a full-time specialised rehabilitation clinic learning to walk, talk, eat and learn basic life skills again- this clinic will most likely will be in Auckland.

Ryan’s dedicated Mum, Rebecca, is currently trying to juggle supporting Ryan and her two other children, while working a full-time job as an incredible ECE Teacher in Hamilton. This is an emotional and exhausting journey, and although Rebecca has the support of her wonderful family, it is not sustainable to be working full time while trying to give Ryan the love and nurturing he needs currently, and moving forward with travelling to Auckland to be with him in the Rehabilitation clinic.

As Ryan’s brain bleed was the result of a medical event rather than an accident, the family is not entitled to any ACC support at this stage.

Any funds gained will go towards allowing Rebecca to take leave from work to spend more time with Ryan and support his rehabilitation.