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Ryan's journey to recovery

  • Ryan is coming home!

      22 June 2021
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    On Friday 25th June we will be bringing Ryan back home to Hamilton.

    It has been 6 months since our lives were turned upside down and Ryan's life changed forever. Thanks to the amazing staff at The Wilson Centre, Ryan has made some significant progress and they have given him hope for regaining a life doing things he loves like fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, camping and biking.

    We have been surrounded by an amazing community of people that have supported us in so many ways so that we could focus on Ryan. It would be fair to say Ryan has felt the love and wishes from everyone.

    Ryan's journey is a long one. We are not sure what rehabilitation and life will look like in Hamilton, however he will have family, pets and friends close by encouraging him and motivating him. He also has a dedicated family that will continue to advocate for Ryan and his needs in a system that is complex, inadequate and unjust.

    Ryan's mind is sharp and he doesn't miss anything. He keeps everyone on their toes and hits them with his sarcasm and very, very dry humour. We are looking forward to having Ryan back in our daily life and making more of those special and fun filled memories.

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  • Update 27th April 2021

      27 April 2021
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    Only 4 weeks ago Ryan attempted walking for the first time. He is now walking short distances using a gutter frame with support from an adult.

    His vomiting has significantly reduced and he has gone 7 days without any vomiting at all. He is trying most foods now and his appetite is growing. He is also gaining weight.

    We are working on his eye sight as he is experiencing double vision and blurriness.

    His speech is improving daily and he talks all the time. I am able to Facetime him and have a reasonable conversation.

    Last week he went in the car for the first time. Although he didn't get out of the car he loved getting out and about. This weekend Ryan went on three trips. Once up North Head at Devonport where we took in the amazing views. He also attended a birthday party for a friend who recently graduated from The Wilson Centre. On Monday he visited the Navy Museum. This is a huge milestone for Ryan.

    In the next few weeks we plan on transitioning Ryan into our parent accommodation on site.

    We are so proud of Ryan's motivation, determination and perseverance and can't wait for that welcome home party!

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  • Update

      3 February 2021

    Wow, I am lost for words. I am totally amazed by the generosity of so many friends, colleagues, family members, friends of friends and complete strangers. Thank you just doesn't seem enough but I truly am thankful and grateful to everyone for supporting us during these hard months.

    The last month has been one of the hardest we have had to endure as a family but also my hardest as a mother. Everyday I hope to get my Ryan back so that he can return to a life full of all the things he loves to do. If I could swap places with him and release his sadness and frustration I would do so in a heartbeat. However I can't so you have all given me the next most precious gift, time with Ryan without worrying about paying my mortgage etc. So again THANK YOU.

    Ryan had a bit of a rough weekend after suffering from a crook in the neck and a bump to the head on the bed rails but morphine and rest has cleared this. This week he had a fluroscopy and his swallow has improved. While he is not ready to have water and thin fluids he can occasionally try a mouthful of something thicker ie smoothie with the hope he will remember how to swallow and use all the tongue and mouth muscles. I am hoping in turn this will help his speech return.

    Wednesday 3rd February is Ryan's big date. He is heading to the Wilson Centre in Auckland to begin intense therapy. I will be accompanying him with the support of his nana and poppa and settling him in over the next week.

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