Reagan is sick in the head

Friends, I’m sure most of you are aware by now that our good Canadian mate (& my wonderful brother in law) , Reagan Ruszkowski has recently found out that his dreaded Stage 3 Astro Cytoma has returned after 9 years of remission (or brain tumour in layman’s terms).


This came as a shock to Reagan and our families, as we didn’t think it would return to haunt such a fun loving, health conscious, young man again. Reagan is the most positive, uplifting man, who always has a huge smile on his face (even as he lay on his surgery bed). We, his family are all heartbroken, knowing that he is in the midst of a huge fight ahead of him.

To give you a bit of insight as to where Reagan is at, last week he had his brain tumour removed, and by all accounts it went well. He is recovering well, but having a few difficulties with his speech.

The next stage for Reags is finding out if his tumour is a Stage 3 or Stage 4 Cancer. After his surgery wounds have healed, he will undertake aggressive Chemo and Radiation therapy. During this therapy, Reagan will not be able to work for a minimum of 10-12 months. 

Along with the physical and mental struggle ahead for Reagan, there also comes a lot of unplanned expenses. Due to the sickness that he will face under treatment, he will not be able to work in any capacity. He won’t be able to drive for 3-12 months, which devastates our down south surf lover. 

His wife, Alexis is a full time student, who works on a casual basis, she will be his full time carer. Alexis’s working capacity will be impacted due to Reagan’s illness and this is also being taken into account.

Reagan is undertaking treatment through the public system, and whilst most of this treatment is free, there are still costs associated, such as scans which are necessary for cancer patients.

Reagan was the main breadwinner in the family, but as a new resident of Australia, and being self-employed, he does not have insurance or superannuation to fall back on. 

We would like to raise some money to help carry the financial burden for Reagan and Alexis for lost income, to help pay their rent and expenses, Uber’s, parking, alternative therapies, freezing Reagan’s swimmers, help cover any medical expenses that may arise and also to get some healthy meals delivered so that Reagan maintains a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet, when he needs it the most.

These guys are meant to be in the primes of their lives, and we’d love to help make this huge burden, just a bit smaller.

Any financial support that you can provide Reagan in this difficult time would be very much appreciated. You know that if the shoe were on the other foot he would be there for you in a heartbeat.

Thank you, and please keep sending Reagan all the love, light and good vibes.

Kristen Pavez