Parents Alphonsa and Vinish were so excited to be expecting their first child. But that excitement soon turned to fear and uncertainty at Alphonsa’s 20-week pregnancy scan.
“The scan showed a problem with the blood supply in our baby’s leg. We were so worried as there was no definite diagnosis at that point,” she said.
When baby Ryan was born, his right leg was significantly shorter than the other and he was immediately referred to a specialist. Ryan was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and at just a few weeks old, was placed in a hip brace.
“He was so tiny and the frame irritated his skin. He was crying a lot, but he gradually got used to it,” his mum said.
As Ryan grew, he had twice-yearly x-rays and scans to monitor his growth. When he started to walk, he had to wear a built-up shoe which made it hard for him to participate in all his favourite sports and activities.
“Ryan has loved sports ever since he was little, whether it’s soccer, cricket or athletics,” his mum says. “Despite everything he’s been through, he’s always been determined to keep playing sport with his friends and teammates.”
When his right leg was still not growing as well as the left, Ryan was referred to a surgeon and at age nine, underwent bone lengthening and bone straightening surgery.
Alphonsa said the painful surgery and the long process of rehab were incredibly tough. Ryan needed a wheelchair to get around and was in a leg brace for six months.
“The first few weeks after the surgery were so hard for him to get used to it; he hardly slept. The hardest part for Ryan was not being able to do all the things he loved,” she said.
During those challenging times, Ryan discovered Captain Starlight on hospital TV and suddenly his long days became so much brighter. His face lit up whenever the Captains visited the ward with games and fun and he loved going to the Starlight Express Room to play with his younger brother Ruben.
“Hospital would have been dull and boring without the Starlight Express Room,” Alphonsa said. “The boys always went there to play video games and play basketball together, and they loved the Book Week crafts and costumes.”
Ryan had regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions and slowly got used to his wheelchair and the frame. Sadly during that time he got frequent infections and was regularly back in hospital. He missed out on his sports and being with his friends at school.
“I took two months off work so I could be there for him and he was so brave despite being in and out of hospital so much,” mum said.
After six months, in November last year, Ryan was finally able to have the frame removed.
“The day his frame came off was so exciting we went straight to the beach,” Alphonsa said. “He still had dressings on and had to be careful, but it was such a milestone for him.”
Doctors will continue to closely monitor Ryan’s leg with ongoing appointments as he grows. His recovery is progressing well and he’s making improvements all the time. He’s happily getting back into soccer and has been doing well at school.
Ryan also has the excitement of his upcoming Starlight Wish giving him something fun and positive to look forward to.
Ryan and his family are taking off for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as part of Virgin Australia's Gold Coast Wish Week Experience. Ryan is keen to explore new places, and he can’t wait to visit all the Gold Coast theme parks and discover more of Australia.
“We’re all so excited for a family holiday together,” Alphonsa said. “Starlight helps kids to still have fun even while they’re going through the toughest times with hospital and treatment. This experience means the world to us.”
