At just five years old, little Ryder Wells has endured a level of horror that most people never experience in their entire lives. In a tragic incident during Thanksgiving in 2015, Ryder was viciously attacked by two rottweilers while visiting family in North Carolina. Despite the odds, this brave young boy managed to survive the attack. However, the extensive injuries he suffered included losing half of his face, crushed teeth, a broken arm, and a punctured lung. Since then, Ryder has undergone approximately 50 surgeries, demonstrating his incredible resilience and strength.

Instead of receiving praise and support for his remarkable survival and resilience, Ryder now has to face cruel comments from both children and adults. Even the adults at his school would stare at him when he first started. One incident that deeply affected his mother, Brittany, was when a child at the park pointed at Ryder and screamed “monster” before running away. Another instance occurred while they were out shopping when someone shouted “ew” at him. As a parent, it breaks Brittany’s heart that after everything Ryder has been through, people aren’t always kind to him because of something he can’t help.

However, Ryder is a fighter who refuses to let anything hold him back. His survival is often described as a miracle, as even the doctors did not expect him to make it. But now, as a 31-year-old mom from Granite Falls, Brittany is scared about Ryder starting school. Sometimes, Ryder will hang his head or wear glasses and a cap to hide his face. Brittany reassures him every day that he is beautiful and that being different is also beautiful and acceptable.

Brittany’s fear stems from the knowledge that there will always be a few children who are not kind in school. She wants to raise awareness about the profound impact bullying can have on someone with a facial disfigurement. Brittany hopes that sharing Ryder’s story will make people think twice about how they treat those who look different. It is crucial to teach our children not to single out those who look different and to always be kind, so children like Ryder can live the happy lives they deserve.

Let’s show our love and support for Ryder by sharing his story and reminding him that he is beautiful both inside and out. Together, we can help create a world where kindness and acceptance prevail.