At a tender age of just 7 years old, Ryder Wells has already faced more tragedy than many people experience in a lifetime. During a Thanksgiving visit to his relatives in North Carolina back in 2015, this courageous teenager miraculously survived a brutal attack by two rottweilers. At the time of the incident, Ryder was merely 21 months old, making his survival all the more extraordinary. The ferocious dogs mauled him, causing him to lose half of his face, endure smashed teeth, and suffer from a fractured arm and punctured lung. Despite these unimaginable injuries, Ryder’s indomitable spirit shines through as he continues on his remarkable journey of resilience. His story serves as a testament to his unwavering strength and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Despite the doubts of his own family, this brave young warrior defied the odds and not only survived the traumatic incident but has also endured approximately 50 surgeries. Instead of receiving the recognition he deserves for overcoming such a horrific ordeal, this precious child now finds himself subjected to hurtful remarks from both peers and adults alike. Even during his early school years, Ryder faced discrimination, as even the grown-ups, including his teaching assistant, made hurtful comments. His mother, Brittany, sadly shared that during their park visits, there is a child who cruelly points and screams “monster” at Ryder before hastily running away. It is disheartening to witness such callousness towards a resilient and remarkable young individual.
During a recent shopping trip, Ryder faced yet another unpleasant incident when someone yelled “ew” at him. As a parent, it deeply saddens and hurts his mother’s heart to witness the lack of kindness towards him, especially considering all that he has endured and the fact that his appearance is something he cannot control. However, Ryder’s incredible warrior spirit remains unshaken, and nothing can dampen his resilience. His survival has been deemed a true “miracle” by doctors who initially did not expect him to live. Now, at the age of 31, Ryder’s mother from Granite Falls expresses her deep fear and concern about his upcoming entry into school, worried about how he may be treated by others.
Ryder, donning glasses and a cap, often lowers his head to hide his face. Yet, his mother never ceases to remind him of his beauty and the value of being unique. She reassures him that being different is something to be celebrated and accepted. Despite her comforting words, she cannot shake her fear of him attending school, knowing that unkindness exists among some children. Inspired by Ryder’s journey, she is determined to raise awareness about the profound impact of bullying on individuals with facial disfigurements.
She firmly believes that sharing Ryder’s story will prompt others to reconsider how they treat those who appear different, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive environment.
In order to empower children like Ryder and enable them to experience the happiness they truly deserve, it is crucial that we educate our youngsters about the importance of inclusivity and kindness towards those who may appear different. By fostering a culture of acceptance and friendship for all, we can create a world where no one is singled out based on their appearance.
If you admire this remarkable young individual and wish for him to understand his innate beauty both inside and out, please share his story and spread the message of love and acceptance. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of children like Ryder.