Dragons young gun Cody Ramsey has been in Wollongong Hospital for the past fortnight with an illness that could cut short his rugby league career.
The 22-year-old is facing the possibility of surgery after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract.
After fighting his way to the converted fullback position at the Red V, Ramsey’s future is now up in the air. He is currently receiving a government-funded drug called Infliximab which costs $12,000 per injection and could remain in hospital for at least another two weeks.
His mother Kim explained that her son was admitted suffering from severe pain after participating in a long-distance run at training.
“Cody thought it was just a bug and ran his nine-and-a-half kilometres,” she told NewsCorp. “That’s where it all unravelled. His immune system was fighting something it couldn’t fix.
“The doctor originally said he might need surgery and it could end his footy career. I’ve never seen him so sick and in so much pain. Fortunately, he’s progressing now and we’re hopeful he’ll be OK to play again next season.
“He’s a tough cookie and he’ll hopefully be back in the new year. Footy’s important but as long as I’ve got a healthy boy … family is everything.”
Cody Ramsey. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Kim had nothing but praise and thanks for Anthony Griffin, following a season of rumours surrounding an alleged fallout between the Dragons coach and the team.
“You know what, that man is one in a million,” said Kim. “He has rung me every single day. He has texted Cody every single day. I can’t thank him enough. When he rings he’s never in a rush. Honestly, he’s the nicest man.”
Born in Orange, he progressed through the St George junior representative ransk to make his NRL debut in 2020 and has scored 14 tries in 36 appearances in the outside backs.
Contracted to the Dragons until the end of 2024, he was considered the frontrunner to start next season at fullback for St George Illawarra after impressing in the role last season.
If he is unable to suit up for Round 1, it could mean a reprieve for fellow young gun Tyrell Sloan, who had been linked to a possibly early release in the off-season to join the Dolphins, or Griffin could switch centre Zac Lomax or former Origin star Jack Bird to the No.1 jersey.
chris
Guest
I wish him well. However, back on the field next year or at all is no certainty. One of my brothers suffered the same thing for many years . He ended up having to have his small intestines removed. It’s a truly debilitating condition, that can end up with the intestines becoming cancerous. The drugs used to treat the condition being a large part of the cause of this. The removal of the intestines which is an extreme fix, can come with a bag . Which can eventually be something that you can have internally. This all takes some years to come about. However, even the drug treatment often involves steroids , if I’m remembering correctly?
Bernie
Roar Rookie
no hay problema, hombre.
ethan
Guest
To those who have been effected by this, try putting some vitamin e oil (mixed tocopherols) where the sun don't shine. YMMV but it cured a friend of mine who'd had it all their life.
Heyou
Roar Rookie
Saying a rosary for the Ramsey family. To have been devastated by the recent floods and to now have their lovely young man so crook with this horrid disease is hard knocks. Bless every person who suffers with this truely awful condition. So very hard to see our loved ones struggling with such pain.
Heyou
Roar Rookie
I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s a horrid condition. Best wishes to your little girl.
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
Bernie, I apologise for that remark. It was out of order. Sorry, sir.
Womblat
Guest
Decent fight Jeff, that mongrel thing took out my mum in one go. Expensive treatment too. I've had my heavy health brushes as well and I'm acutely aware of the expense of what was required to save my a**. I'm also deeply respectful of who paid for it. The faceless Aussie taxpayer, like me. They don't need much recognition but they don't deserve to be hidden in the basement. After all, they saved both our butts. Good journalism like this which highlights the seriousness of Cody's condition, as well as cost, covers that angle. It also reminds us of our privileges and how lucky we are to live in such a country.
Womblat
Guest
100% respect x 2, gentlemen. Best wishes to you both.
UAP
Guest
To Cam, daughter and family. To Dumbo, son and family. To Cody and mum. May the good Lord bless you and watch over you and give good health in the future.
Jeff Cook
Roar Rookie
Wombat, I'm in five year remission AML. So I really do have a reasonable understanding and not so much of respect but of gratitude the Australian health net has provided for me. And of coarse my support and best wishes are given to Cody and family. My point being , why has the articles author put a price on this young mans healthcare ?
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
My sympathy, Cam. One of my boys has it. Serious case. Manifested in his late twenties. His two brothers are OK so far, but his uncle (mother's side) had a mild case in his fifties, so there is no certainty my other two lads will escape it.
Cam
Roar Rookie
Yep, I wish I didn't know anything about ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately my little girl has been living with it for about 3 years now.
andrew
Roar Rookie
I didn't know how sick Cody is until I read Cam's post.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I've looked at this headline fir a few days now without reading it. This is not a fair illness for a fit 22 year old. I hope he handles it ok.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Best wishes to Cody. What a terrible time for Cody and his family to be going through. Being a young, fit, strong athlete he must be wondering why. Here's to a full recovery for Cody and hopefully one day he will play again.
Bernie
Roar Rookie
your right on both counts Dumbo - i have no idea and i do really hope. i'm a lifelong Saints fan, but beside that i just want to offer encouragement.
steveng
Roar Rookie
All I can say and wish, is a very speedy recovery for you Cody as you young man are one very talented footy player and have really brought some spark into that Red V side when they really needed it, even when ouch ouch R15 32-0 at half time (32-12) against the Bunnies you scored, all the best and get well soon! :thumbup:
kk
Roar Pro
Thanks to Cam and Dumbo for their informative posts. In the big red V Cody seemed capable of the impossible. Sure hope he can do a special to overcome this challenge.
Dumbo
Roar Rookie
Just to add one thing to what Cam said (which is all correct, by the way), it is not uncommon for a UC sufferer to have to have his/her large intestine removed. (That is the “surgery” referred to in the article.) Cody won’t be playing for the Saints with a colostomy bag. It’s that serious.
Womblat
Guest
Spoken like someone who actually knows their stuff. This article does a great job in telling facts and not hiding them, just so a snowflake doesn't melt. It is extremely expensive treatment and it's funded by the Australian taxpayer. You one of those, Jeff? How about some respect for the public health system and the taxpayer who funds it? Sometimes it has great use, like with this young man right now. Get your health back Cody.