Call for funds to help Stockdale family after Ryan makes brave decision to return home

The family has been in Gunnedah for generations, but have suffered through some hard times over the past decade, after young Ryan was diagnosed with metastasised testicular cancer in late 2012.

It was tough news to receive for a teenager, but he showed an incredible amount of grit and determination to following the diagnosis.

Told he was unlikely to survive, he decided to fight, and underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Eight months later, the young man was declared cancer free, and once again overcame the odds to begin walking again, with the assistance of a walker.

However, luck was not on his side, and in May 2019 he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Again keen to defy expectations, he underwent more chemotherapy and then, advised by his doctors that it was his only chance, had two bone marrow transplants.

Read also:

Tragically, the second of those was not as successful as the medical staff had hoped for, and the family was told nothing more could be done.

Keen to spend the rest of his life with family and friends, Ryan checked out of hospital early this month and is now at home, with his mother Leeanne taking care of him as well as a team of nurses to support throughout the night.

Friend of the family, Shelley Jones, is now helping them raise money to pay for funeral costs, and is calling on the Gunnedah community to dig in and support.

She said the courage of everyone involved is inspiring, and is hoping they can have some peace of mind that at least one aspect of their fight is being covered.

If you would like to help, please contact Ms Jones on 0413 597 948.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: