Koo Wee Rup local staying positive despite second cancer fight
After being diagnosed with brain cancer for a second time Ryan Frazer is bravely sharing his story for the Sony Foundation’s annual Giving Day, in the hope it will help support other young people.
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When Ryan Frazer was diagnosed with brain cancer for the second time, his whole life was turned on its head.
The 22-year-old had just started a new job, his dream job, with the AFL.
He was planning to start playing footy and cricket again, years after his last game.
And growing up in Koo Wee Rup — a town about 80km from Melbourne — getting to and from treatment was going to take time.
But there was never any doubt that he would do it, and get back to doing the things he loves — soon.
Ryan was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma in 2017 while on a gap year after graduating from high school.
He underwent a fierce round of treatment, before spending about 18 months in remission.
“I had six weeks straight of radiation — every weekday for six weeks, at Peter Mac,” Ryan recalls.
“Then I had chemotherapy for seven months. It was hard on all my family, my partner and friends.
“I got through that and then had a good two and a half years of trying to get back on my feet …”
But in August this year, following a routine MRI, Ryan was dealt a devastating blow and told four new “spots” had been found on his brain.
“It was pretty devastating,” he said.
“I was really looking forward to getting back to footy. I had a job at the AFL too.
“I was pretty flat but everyone got around me.”
The support from his friends, family and local community is what Ryan says has kept him going.
That and the kindness of staff at Peter Mac, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he has received treatment.
He also praised the work of the Sony Foundation who through their You Can Stay program have paid for Ryan and his family to stay in the city whenever he receives treatment.
“We’re so grateful. It’s hard to put into words,” he said.
“It takes a lot of stress off, especially not having to drive in everyday.”
Ryan, who is on a clinical trial, is now undergoing two days of chemotherapy every two weeks but remains positive.
“I was hoping to get going with my life, but I’ve been positive and will make sure I get rid of it again,” he said.
To donate to help young people like Ryan, visit sonyfoundation.org/givingday
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