At just five, Ryder Wells has endured more than most in a lifetime.
At 21 months, he was attacked by two rottweilers during a Thanksgiving visit in 2015, losing half his face, suffering broken bones, and a punctured lung. Despite the odds, he survived and underwent around 50 surgeries.
Instead of praise, Ryder faces cruel comments from others. At school and in public, people call him names, and even children scream “monster” or shout “ew” at him. His mom, Brittany, is heartbroken by the lack of kindness he faces, especially after all he’s been through.
Despite the challenges, Ryder remains strong, and his survival is considered a miracle. Brittany reassures him daily that being different is beautiful, but she fears how he’ll be treated in school. She hopes his story raises awareness about bullying and the impact it has on those with facial disfigurements.