Ryan was diagnosed after a series of test and biopsy revealed that he had stage 4 Extraskeletal Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

His mother Linda Whipp said that there were only 800 reported cases of this particular form of cancer since 1959. "It's very nasty and very aggressive. Currently there's no cure for this cancer," she said.

"He went to the hospital complaining of stomach pain and then a few days later Ryan found a lump on his throat so we went back to the doctors.

"We went to Bowral Pathology and we had to do a CT scan and then a biopsy. At first they said it may have been Leukemia or or cancer of the lymph-nodes.

"Sixteen days later, they told us it was Extraskeletal Misenchymal Chondrosarcoma. I had to pull myself together because every day is about making Ryan happy and comfortable."

Ryan said his cancer diagnosis came to him a 'big shock' after first experiencing stomach pain. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Despite his illness, Ryan has recently bought himself a project car to help keep him busy while he's not having treatment.

His mum Linda said it was good that Ryan had something other than the cancer to focus on and was hoping to do up the VL commodore when he was feeling better.

Recently the family experience another set back when the snow in the first week of June caused internal water damage.

"We were at Westmead and my older son called me to tell me that the snow was seeping through the roof and wall. It was just a mess," she said.

"Sean from Robb Roofing and Consultation got in touch after finding out about it through Free Trade Day and helped out. We always give so it feels weird to receive." Linda and her family still need work to be done to their home to make sure it's warm and dry for Ryan.

Visit www.freetradeday.com.au to help the family.

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