Ryder Wells’ story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the cruelty and kindness that exists in our world. At just 21 months old, Ryder survived a brutal attack by two Rottweilers, leaving him with a disfigured face and a long journey of recovery.
On Thanksgiving Day in 2015, Ryder’s mother, Brittany, recalls the horrific incident: “Ryder disappeared while playing, and I found him face-down in the garden, his pyjamas ripped off, and his face severely injured.” The attack left Ryder with devastating injuries, including the loss of his right cheek, lip, and teeth, a punctured lung, and a broken arm.
Against all odds, Ryder endured over 14 hours of surgery and defied medical expectations. However, his survival came with a permanent disfigurement, requiring over 50 facial reconstruction surgeries, with more to come.
But Ryder’s greatest challenge lies not in his physical scars, but in the cruel reactions of strangers. Brittany poignantly shares: “Ryder knows people stare and talk about him. He tries to hide his face, but I reassure him every day that he’s beautiful, different is beautiful, and it’s okay to be different.”
Despite her fears about Ryder’s future, particularly when he starts school, Brittany finds solace in the supportive community that has rallied around her son. “Ryder has adapted remarkably, making wonderful friends and gaining confidence from the town’s acceptance.”
Now five years old, Ryder’s resilience inspires hope. His family has established a GoFundMe page to support his ongoing medical expenses. As Ryder’s story touches hearts worldwide, it serves as a poignant reminder to embrace kindness, acceptance, and empathy towards those who face adversity.
Ryder’s unbreakable spirit teaches us that true beauty lies not in physical appearance but in the strength of the human heart. As Brittany so eloquently puts it: “Just because he’s different, it doesn’t make him less of a person.” Ryder’s courage and his mother’s unwavering love shine as beacons of hope in a world that often struggles with acceptance.
