Help Support Ryan’s Brain Tumour Journey

Hello all, my name is Aisah and I am raising funds for my partner, Ryan, who is awaiting his 3rd brain surgery after being diagnosed with a Astrocytoma in his left cerebellum in late April of 2014 when he was 17.

In May this year Ryan reached his 10 year milestone since undergoing his first two surgeries to remove the tumour. However, only a few months after reaching the big milestone, a routine MRI resulted in Ryan’s brain tumour showing it has significantly regrown and he is now re-awaiting surgery.

In 2014, at aged 17 in his final year of high school, Ryan began experiencing symptoms such as visual and auditory hallucinations, nosebleeds, vomiting, mood swings and extreme fatigue. After investigation, Ryan was diagnosed with a Astrocytoma tumour in his left cerebellum.

This area of the brain plays a vital role in function and mobility and is responsible for balance control, control of muscle activity, motor learning and movement regulation. The cerebellum also plays a role in cognition functions that support speech, thinking, memory and communication.

Ryan underwent his first brain surgery on the 7th of May in 2014. During this surgery the neurosurgeons where able to partially remove the tumour leaving Ryan with some tumour remaining. Four days after his first surgery, on the 11th of May 2014, Ryan underwent his second brain surgery which aimed to remove the remaining section of the tumour. This second surgery was unsuccessful.

After undergoing two consecutive brain surgeries, Ryan became seriously ill as he developed meningitis and golden staph, which led to him spending the next 28 days in hospital recovering.

After developing these infections, Ryan’s surgeons were unable to attempt a 3rd resection of the remaining tumour and they decided not to remove the remaining section. Since these surgeries Ryan has had an MRI each year to track what was left of the brain tumour.

Ryan healed from his infections and surgeries but has since experienced ongoing difficulties in his cognition and motor function control on the right side of his body. Despite these difficulties Ryan has lived a full life since his initial diagnosis and treatments.

Ryan is currently on a priority waiting list to undergo brain surgery at St. Vincents hospital in Sydney. Due to the related symptoms that have resurfaced which he is currently experiencing he has had to stop working and driving and is now spending time with loved ones as he awaits the call for surgery. The nature of his work as a commercial diver means, if all is successful, that he will be unable to return to work for up to 6 months after his upcoming surgery, where we anticipate he will be focused on his rehabilitation and recovery.

Our hope is that he will soon get the call, and that he is able to undergo surgery within the next 2-3 months. Ultimately, we wish for a safe and successful final surgery with a smooth recovery so Ryan can move forward with his life and be brain tumour free.

We thank you for taking the time to read this and we kindly ask for your support as we navigate the next stage of his journey.

Every single contribution - no matter the amount - will be enormously appreciated and will help support Ryan as we navigate this difficult time, pre, during and post surgery.

Any funds that are raised will be used towards Ryans ongoing treatment and care.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Aisah Lehmann