TANUNDA lad Ryan Lane-Ellis had the experience of a lifetime on Sunday afternoon, as he ran out alongside Port Adelaide star Travis Boak as his ‘buddy’ before the Power’s game against the Gold Coast Suns.

The 12-year-old is a leukaemia survivor, and was the first patient Boak visited, eight years ago, through his ambassadorial work with the Childhood Cancer Association.

Ryan has been in remission for six years, and throughout that time he and Boak have formed a strong friendship, with the former Power skipper helping provide a healthy distraction from  treatments.

Ryan’s mum, Teresa, said Boak has been sensational with him.

“He’s got that caring nature, and obviously losing his father to cancer as well, something like this, he’s got that personable nature,” she said.

“He helps distract him from the treatment and what they go through, and just keeps kids smiling.

“He’s just got that lovely soul.

“When he has his treatments, Travis would play handball with Ryan.

“With the years they’ve had together, they’ve always been out kicking the footy in the park, he’s very involved with Ryan’s football and how he offers support.”

In the lead-up to the match, Ryan had the opportunity to train with the Power players, which is something he cherished.

“I had lots of fun, I met all the players and they put a smile on my face,” he said.

“The drills were good, my dad the week before took some drills and helped with my training.”

Ms Lane said Boak made the experience not only easier for Ryan, but for her family as well.

“It’s enormous, I can’t express the emotion to him (Ryan) that I’m going through, because he’ll be wondering why mum’s upset as well, so I’ve got to be the rock,” she said.

“No-one wants to see their kids go through that.”

Following the Power’s 38-point victory over the Suns, Ryan walked off the field with Boak and the side, and was in the middle of the team song, receiving a Gatorade shower alongside second-gamer Billy Frampton.