At just five years old, Ryder Wells has experienced more trauma than many will in their entire lives.
The North Carolina child endured a brutal attack by two Rottweilers in 2015 while visiting relatives for Thanksgiving.
At only 21 months old, Ryder was attacked by the two 100-pound dogs, resulting in a shattered arm, a punctured lung, crushed teeth, and extensive facial injuries.
Despite his family’s doubts about his survival, this brave little warrior defied the odds and has since undergone nearly 50 surgeries.
Instead of being recognized for his remarkable survival, this brave young boy, Ryder, faces hurtful comments from both children and adults.
His teaching assistant recalls how, when Ryder first started school, even adults would stare at him.
Ryder’s mother, Brittany, shared a heartbreaking experience with *The Mirror*, saying, “There’s a child who points and screams ‘monster’ at him before running away when we go to the park.”
She continued, “Someone yelled ‘ew’ at him while we were out shopping the other day. As a mom, it’s incredibly difficult and painful to see that, after everything he’s been through, people aren’t always kind about something he can’t control.”
“But he doesn’t let anything stop him; he is such a fighter.”
Ryder’s survival, which medical professionals once deemed impossible, is now considered a “miracle.”
At 31, his mother Brittany from Granite Falls is still anxious about her son’s first day of school.
To help him cope, Ryder wears a cap and glasses, sometimes lowering his head to hide his face. Despite this, Brittany reassures him daily, telling him, “You’re beautiful, being different is beautiful, and it’s okay to be different.”
“I just try to reassure him as much as I can, but I’m really afraid of him going to school.” Naturally, there will always be some unkind children.
Brittany now hopes that Ryder’s story will inspire others to reconsider how they treat individuals who appear different and raise awareness about the profound impact bullying can have on someone with a facial impairment.
To help children like Ryder live the joyful lives they deserve, it’s crucial that we teach our kids to be kind and not judge others based on their appearance.
Show your support for this young warrior and remind him that he is beautiful inside and out by sharing this message.
