Hi everyone,

My name is Jess, and I am one of Billy and Rylee’s closest friends.

I am creating this fundraiser to help support Billy, Rylee, and their two beautiful young boys as they face one of the most challenging and uncertain times of their lives.

Over recent months, Billy began experiencing a range of concerning symptoms including ongoing fevers, drenching night sweats, significant weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes. After multiple medical appointments and investigations, a chest X-ray and CT scan revealed a large 13cm mass within his chest, along with enlarged lymph nodes throughout his chest and neck.

What was initially thought to be a possible infection quickly became something much more serious.

Billy was admitted to hospital where specialists performed an initial biopsy. While the results have pointed strongly towards a likely diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, the sample obtained was unfortunately not large enough for doctors to determine the exact subtype and final diagnosis with certainty.

The next step is a more extensive cardiothoracic surgical procedure to obtain a larger tissue sample from within Billy’s chest. This surgery is required before doctors can confirm exactly what they are dealing with and develop the most appropriate treatment plan moving forward. Unfortunately, this surgery is not expected to take place for several more weeks, leaving Billy and his family in a difficult period of waiting and uncertainty.

At just 29 years old, Billy is a devoted husband to Rylee and an incredible father to their two young boys. Anyone who knows Billy knows he is always the first person to lend a hand, support a friend, or put his family and others before himself.

As they navigate specialist appointments, ongoing testing, surgery, and the likelihood of cancer treatment ahead, the financial pressures are beginning to mount.

Rylee is currently on maternity leave with their youngest son and was due to return to work in the near future. However, with Billy’s health rapidly changing and an unknown treatment journey ahead, there is now significant uncertainty around both of their work situations. Billy is likely to require reduced hours and extended time away from work, while Rylee may also need time away from employment to care for Billy, attend appointments, and support their young family through whatever lies ahead.

Like many young families, life doesn’t stop when a medical crisis begins. Mortgage repayments, household bills, groceries, fuel, childcare fees, and everyday living expenses continue regardless of what they are facing.

Our hope is that this fundraiser can help ease some of that financial burden, allowing Billy and Rylee to focus on what matters most right now, Billy’s health, their family, and the road ahead.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page and keeping Billy and his family in your thoughts means just as much.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

Jess, on behalf of Billy, Rylee, Huxley and Tommy

“Sometimes the strongest people are the ones who ask for help when they need it most. Thank you for helping carry some of the load for this young family.” ❤️