The story of five-year-old Ryder Wells: a little hero who overcame incredible challenges
At just five years old, North Carolina’s Ryder Wells has experienced more horror than many people experience in a lifetime.
Tragedy and the struggle for life
On Thanksgiving Day 2015, when Ryder was just 21 months old, he was attacked by two 100-pound Rottweilers. The brutal attack left the boy with half his face, crushed teeth, a broken arm, and a punctured lung.
Doctors and family did not believe that he would survive, but Ryder overcame all difficulties. In recent years, he underwent about 50 operations. Doctors call his survival a real miracle.
Confronting the cruelty of others
Despite his incredible strength and resilience, Ryder faces cruel comments from children and adults alike.
His mother, Brittany, said that when Ryder first went to school, even adults looked at him in surprise.
“When we go to the park, sometimes the kids will yell, ‘Monster!’ and run away,” Brittany says.
“The other day, someone at the grocery store yelled, ‘Ew.’ It breaks my heart as a parent to see that after everything he’s been through, people can be so cruel.”
Little fighter
But Ryder isn’t giving up. His mom says he’s still a fighter and doesn’t let his looks stop him from enjoying life.
“He wears glasses and a cap, sometimes he hangs his head down to hide his face. But I tell him every day that he is beautiful, that being different is beautiful, and that it is normal.”
A Call for Kindness
Brittany is now an active campaigner to raise awareness about bullying and teach people to be kinder to those who look different. She hopes that Ryder’s story will make people think twice before judging or bullying someone.
Ryder Wells is a true hero who shows us that the power of the spirit can overcome any challenges. His story is a reminder of how important it is to be kind and supportive of each other.