At just five years old, Ryder Wells from North Carolina has faced more trauma than many do in a lifetime. At only 21 months old, he survived a vicious attack by two 100-pound rottweilers while visiting family for Thanksgiving in 2015. The attack left him with severe injuries, including the loss of half his face, crushed teeth, a broken arm, and a punctured lung. Despite the odds, Ryder pulled through and has since endured around 50 surgeries.
Instead of being celebrated for his strength, Ryder now faces cruel comments from both children and adults. His mom, Brittany, recalls moments when strangers have pointed, stared, and even called him a “monster.” “At the park, a child once screamed and ran away from him,” she shared. Even during a shopping trip, someone cruelly shouted “ew” at him, leaving his family heartbroken.
Ryder’s resilience is nothing short of a miracle, but his mom is worried about how others will treat him as he starts school. “He wears glasses and a cap to hide his face, and sometimes he lowers his head,” Brittany explained. Despite this, she reassures him daily, reminding him that being different is beautiful. Yet, the fear of bullying remains constant.
Brittany hopes to raise awareness about the emotional toll bullying takes on children with facial differences. She wants Ryder’s story to encourage more kindness and understanding from both children and adults. “There will always be kids who aren’t kind, but we need to teach them to be better,” she said.
We can all help by showing love and compassion to children like Ryder. By teaching our kids to be accepting of those who look different, we can help create a world where every child, no matter their appearance, feels valued and beautiful.
