At just five years old, Ryder Wells has endured more than most people would in a lifetime. In 2015, during a Thanksgiving visit to family in North Carolina, Ryder was viciously attacked by two rottweilers when he was just 21 months old. The 100-pound dogs mauled him, leaving him with severe injuries, including half of his face being torn off, crushed teeth, a broken arm, and a punctured lung. Doctors didn’t think he would survive, but this brave little fighter proved everyone wrong, making it through the attack and undergoing around 50 surgeries.
However, despite his incredible survival, Ryder has had to face something even harder: cruel comments and bullying. As he started school, he was stared at by both children and adults. “When we go to the park, a child screams ‘monster’ at him before running away,” his mother Brittany shared. Even in public, people have shouted “ew” at him, leaving Ryder devastated and his mother heartbroken.
But despite the harsh treatment, Ryder refuses to let it hold him back. His mom describes him as a fighter, someone who doesn’t let others’ unkind words stop him from living his life. Ryder often wears glasses and a cap to hide his face, but his mom reassures him daily, telling him, “He’s beautiful, different is beautiful, and it’s okay to be different.”
Ryder’s survival is nothing short of a miracle, and his mother is determined to raise awareness about the impact of bullying on those with facial disfigurements. She hopes that by sharing Ryder’s story, people will think twice before making hurtful comments about those who look different.
It’s crucial that we teach our children to be kind and embrace differences, so children like Ryder can live happy and fulfilling lives. Let’s show Ryder the love and acceptance he deserves by sharing his story and spreading kindness.
Let’s raise awareness about the effects of bullying and promote kindness toward those who may look different.
