Hello,

My name is Uncle Ben. Uncle to Ryan, that is. I've raised this support page to share the devastating news that Ryan and his family now call reality.

Ryan is a loving and adventurous kid, always cuddling up to animals, splashing about in water or walking down the driveway to visit his pet spider in the drain. He loves and protects all animals big, small, creepy and crawly.

Ryan is no longer able to be there for his pet friends. Approximately 2 weeks ago, he started to suddenly feel "very tired and sore all over". Overnight, Ryan broke out in bruises all over with red blood blisters around his eyes and face.

At just 3.5 years old and in less than 24 hours, Ryan (the little legend) had been uplifted from the comfort and familiarity of his regional family home, leaving his newborn baby sister and pets to the unfamiliar city... He is now in the fight of his life against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a type of cancer that develops and gets worse quickly.

On Friday, 1 September, Jenna, Ryan and Haylee presented to the emergency department in Innisfail...

Just 2 hours later, hospital staff advised that Ryan would need to be taken via rescue chopper to Townsville. With Jared being at work and more ~800km drive from home, Jenna had to leave baby Haylee with Grandma Leah while they travelled to Townsville.

Only a few hours later, Life Flight took Jenna and Ryan from Townsville to Brisbane Royal Children's Hospital where the Steel family will be for the next 8 months minimum.

Understanding Ryan’s Path

You know that feeling of facing a tough challenge? Now, magnify it through the lens of childhood. Ryan, “just wants to go home and see his dog”.

While other kids are diving into new adventures, learning how to ride their bikes, write their name, and looking to start kindy, Ryan has commenced chemotherapy and this will now be his everyday forward for up to the next 2 years.

Jared and Jenna’s family future is currently clouded in uncertainty while they try to navigate relocating towns and homes, hospital corridors and enduring treatments. All while trying to help Ryan understand that he cannot see anyone, go outside, see his baby sister Haylee or his dog, and provide a loving supportive space for him so he can heal.

On Monday, 4 September, Ryan had surgery in preparation for chemotherapy. Ryan, although young, has expressed to be in a lot of pain with minimal ability to stand and walk. Ryan needs both of his parents support by his side, and with your help, we will be able to make that possible. As you can imagine, this is also necessary for Jared and Jenna to ensure they can tag team, have chances for rest, recuperate their emotional and mental strength, and be their best selves for Ryan throughout the journey on his road to healing.

Why It Matters

Each contribution offers the Steel family some peace amidst the storm while they endure the emotional and mental challenges of coming to terms with the situation. The funds raised will alleviate the financial stress involved with relocating towns, sourcing suitable living quarters close to the hospital, maintaining their family home, meals and other basic daily living expenses, so Jared and Jenna can be by Ryan’s side while he accesses the necessary medical treatments.

Asking for help doesn't come easily to Jared and Jenna - they are accustomed to helping others and expecting nothing in return. However, during this time of obvious need, any contribution no matter the amount will make a massive difference to the family in the critical months ahead.

We hope that during this unbelievably challenging time, the donations will allow the Steel family time to be together and to provide the love and support that Ryan needs to be able to heal.

Visualise a Brighter Tomorrow

Imagine Ryan, post-treatment, with the chance to be a kid again and the opportunity to be a big brother to his now 3-month old baby sister. This isn't just about aiding a little boy and family in financial support; it's about giving hope and bringing that vision to life so Ryan and his family will have some level of normality in their lives to return to post-treatment.

Your Role in This Journey

We’d like to extend this small act of love and kindness to Jenna, Jarred, Ryan and Haylee from our supportive friends, family and the wider community.

Many of their friends, family, work mates and Ryan’s play mates families have asked how they can help... This really is the help that they need to take as much pressure off what is a completely devastating situation.

By donating, you're making a tangible difference in Ryan’s world and showing a family that they're not walking this journey alone because being able to access treatment while being able to maintain other basics are simply beyond the family’s financial means.

With a long, tough road ahead for Ryan and his family this is a way people near and far can provide some support to allow these beautiful people the time to navigate their way through this tragic news and be on the road to healing.

It would mean the world to us, and them, if you can support Rally for Ryan to ensure the family can return Ryan to his home with his sister, dog and other pets in North Queensland as soon as possible.

Let’s share this far and wide with family and friends, showing the Steel family how loved they are.

For more information about ALL you can head to https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/all.html

Thank you so much for your support