Eighteen months ago, 16-year-old Ryan Richardson-Whipp, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Extraskeletal Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma - a rare form of cancer.
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It has been a tough time for the Richardson-Whipp family from Welby.
Ryan has already had two operations to remove the tumour as well as chemotherapy and radiation.
He is currently on a medical trial with a drug from the United States and will have further scans in early November to see if it is working.
"At the moment there's no treatment in the world that will fix it," his mum Linda said.
'We're still fighting hard and every day is a blessing."
While it has been a difficult period for the family, they recently enjoyed the opportunity to meet actress Eva Mendes, who is this year's McHappy Day ambassador, via Zoom.
"She's amazing, such a lovely woman. Ryan was so excited," Linda said.
Eva spoke to Ryan about what cars he liked and they talked about her pet Doberman as well as their experiences with the Ronald McDonald House charity.
It was an exciting experience, not only for Ryan but for some of his family who were also able to attend.
"It would have been great to meet her in person, but the way we did was absolutely wonderful. We were very, very lucky to be chosen."
Ryan is now back at home after spending 94 days in the Ronald McDondald House in Sydney.
Linda said it had been tough for the entire family to be separated but thanked those working at Ronald McDonald House and Westmead Children's Hospital for their continued support.
"It [Ronald McDonald House] becomes your second home and the people there are absolutely wonderful. They never have a sad face and they always make sure everything is right for you," she said.
"It's amazing what they do for the people there. No one could ever imagine a place where they help you in so many ways. I really hope everyone donates at McHappy Day."
This year's McHappy Day fundraiser has officially started ahead of McHappy Day on November 14.
There are several ways to support the McHappy Day fundraiser including:
- Buying a pair of $5 Silly Socks, or Helping Hands for $2, $10 or $50 from McDonalds
- Buying a Big Mac on McHappy Day or through McDelivery, with $2 from every Big Mac sold on McHappy Day going directly to RMHC
- Making a donation online at www.rmhc.org.au/give
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