FUNDRAISER |
Ryan was involved in serious traffic accident in Osaka when he was knocked off his motorbike on Saturday, February 15, and is now in critical care
Ryan Cullen was involved in serious traffic collision in Osaka, Japan, where he was knocked off his motorbike on February 15, and is now in ICU critical care
Ryan was involved in serious traffic accident in Osaka when he was knocked off his motorbike on Saturday, February 15, and is now in critical care.
His mum Kathryn, brother Deanie, and all of Ryan’s family, have started a GoFundMe.com campaign which has gained over €5,000 in donations so far to pay for his medical costs and safe return home to Tramore this summer.
Ryan sustained multiple severe injuries, including dislocated hips, a significant fracture to his right hip, damage to his spleen, and a laceration to his bladder, which is leaking into his stomach.
Ryan underwent bladder surgery on Friday, February 21, followed by hip surgery on February 28. The hip procedure involved the insertion of a metal plate and pins to stabilise the fracture.
“I am reaching out to you during what is undoubtedly the most challenging time of our lives,” said Kathryn. “Both the dislocation and fracture will require months of rehabilitation for recovery.
“Ryan has suffered devastating injuries, that will drastically impact his quality of life. He requires two major operations, along with numerous X-rays and CT scans, and the doctors have informed us that he will need to remain in the hospital for over four weeks.
“The costs for his hospital stay, food, and medical procedures are mounting rapidly, and they are far beyond what we can manage on our own. Ryan will also need rehabilitation, physio and full time care along with various medical equipment when he comes home to Ireland.
“As if this ordeal isn’t difficult enough, we have learned that navigating the legal system in Japan is essential for us with road traffic accidents. We will need to hire a solicitor or lawyer to help us through this process, as Ryan is considered a foreigner and is unfamiliar with the laws there.
“We are reaching out to you, our community, for help. We are in desperate need of financial assistance to cover the overwhelming and drastically mounting costs of Ryan's medical care and to bring him home safely.
“Every little bit helps, and your kindness can make all the difference in our family’s journey to recovery. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support during this,” added the family.
Ryan Cullen "would like to express his sincere gratitude for the kindness and support he has have received"
On Saturday, March 8, the fundraising team provided an update on Ryan’s progress, saying he would like to express his sincere gratitude for the kindness and support he has have received - “it has truly been invaluable.”
“Ryan is making steady progress in his recovery, gaining strength and mobility each day. The encouragement from so many has been both unexpected and deeply motivating, inspiring Ryan to focus on his rehabilitation.
“While words cannot fully capture Ryan’s appreciation, he looks forward to the opportunity to personally thank as many of you as possible upon his return.”
Kathryn said that as a mother, “you spend your whole life protecting your child, keeping them safe, and shielding them from harm. But some things are beyond our control. My son, Ryan, is my world. He is strong, adventurous, and full of life. But on February 15, that life changed forever, in a country so far from home, from family, from everything familiar.
“The pain he has endured is something no mother should ever have to witness. The road ahead is long. Months of rehabilitation, physical therapy, and full-time care await him.”
Deanie said that when Ryan had his accident in Osaka, Japan, “both his world – and ours – changed forever. Nobody should have to go through as much as he has. Ryan isn’t just my brother, he’s my best friend. He’s the one who always knew how to make people laugh, the one who never hesitated to help someone in need. And now, he’s the one who needs help.
“He’s lying in a hospital bed, thousands of miles away from home, fighting through unimaginable pain. We need to bring him home to Ireland. We need to make sure he has the care, the equipment, the rehabilitation he needs.
“Ryan is strong, but he shouldn’t have to fight this alone. And I won’t stop fighting for him. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for listening. For caring. For standing with us,” added Deanie. Donations can be made at gofundme.com at a page called Bring Ryan Home.