This story is a sobering reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the long road society has to travel toward kindness and acceptance. It is about a little boy who endured a devastating attack by two Rottweilers and survived, only to face cruel judgment from others due to his disfigured appearance.
Ryder Wells was just 21 months old when the unthinkable happened. During Thanksgiving of 2015, Ryder and his mother, Brittany, were visiting family friends. Brittany recounted the horrific incident:
“We were eating breakfast, and Ryder was moving back and forth between his toys and coming back for bacon. Then, he disappeared. I looked out of the window, and he was face down in the garden.”
She continued, “He had pajamas on, but they’d been completely ripped off except for a sleeve. When we picked him up and rolled him over, his face was just gone.
“The dogs had been around him before, and they’d been fine, so I don’t know what happened. The doctors said they would do what they could, but we weren’t expecting him to make it. They told us it’s a miracle he’s still here because he was so small, and the injuries were so severe. They thought the dogs had bitten so far into his skull that he would be paralyzed.”
Ryder’s injuries were catastrophic: he lost his entire right cheek, more than half of his lip, his teeth were crushed, his right lung was punctured, and his arm was broken. He was airlifted to the hospital, where he underwent over 14 hours of surgery. For Brittany, it was an unimaginable ordeal filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Ryder’s spirit proved unbreakable. He survived the surgeries but was left with a permanently disfigured face. Over the years, he has undergone more than 50 facial reconstruction surgeries, with more to come in the future.
However, Ryder’s battle is not just physical. He faces the harsh reality of societal judgment. Brittany shared:
“He knows people are talking about him, but he doesn’t say much. He wears glasses and a cap and sometimes hangs his head to hide his face. I try to deal with it in a way that doesn’t affect him too much. I tell him every day that he’s beautiful, that different is beautiful, and it’s okay to be different.
“But I’m absolutely terrified about when he goes to school. There are always going to be a few kids who aren’t kind. When he started kindergarten, the kids learned about Ryder before they met him so they wouldn’t be as shocked. You always want your kid to be accepted and to fit in. Just because he’s different doesn’t make him any less of a person.”
Despite the challenges, Ryder has found a supportive community. Brittany expressed gratitude for the kindness they’ve encountered:
“He has a great group of friends, and people in town know him now, which boosts his confidence. He’s been amazing in how he’s adapted after everything he’s been through.”
Now five years old, Ryder’s journey is far from over. His family has started a GoFundMe campaign to support his future surgeries and treatments. Ryder’s story is a testament to his incredible resilience and a call for greater kindness and empathy in the world. We wish Ryder a life filled with love, acceptance, and opportunities to thrive despite the challenges he has faced.
Helen Mirren Unveils a Stunning New Haircut at the Cannes Film Festival
Helen Mirren, widely celebrated for her remarkable acting talent, continues to captivate audiences with her elegance and daring sense of style. At 77, the legendary actress proved once again that she knows how to make a statement.
Mirren turned heads at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival with an unexpected and jaw-dropping appearance. The 1923 star graced the red carpet in a custom-designed, floor-length blue gown by Del Core. The dress featured a belted waist, a plunging neckline, and exquisite silver jewelry, including a chandelier-style necklace, which added a touch of sophistication.
While her gown was dazzling, it was her vibrant blue hair that stole the spotlight. Typically known for her natural grey locks, Mirren opted for a bold blue-purple ombre this time, styled in an elegant updo to enhance its dramatic effect.
As a brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, Mirren gave a subtle nod to the brand by carrying a hand fan emblazoned with the slogan “#WorthIt.” This playful accessory added a touch of personality to her already striking look.
This isn’t the first time Mirren has experimented with her hair. In 2019, she rocked red hair at the same festival, sparking conversation about her fearless approach to fashion and beauty. Mirren embraces her natural grey hair with pride but enjoys keeping her style fresh and unexpected.
Beyond her fashion choices, Mirren has also embraced the digital age. Encouraged by her co-star Vin Diesel, she joined Instagram in 2016, gaining millions of followers with her charming and candid posts. “Vin and his team introduced me to Instagram,” she shared in an interview. “I wasn’t really aware of it at the time, but they encouraged me to give it a try.”
Helen Mirren continues to inspire audiences with her versatility, confidence, and timeless sense of style. Her Cannes appearance is yet another reminder of why she remains a true gem in Hollywood.
Share this article with fellow fans to spread the word about her fabulous new look!
Leave a Reply