WHY WE EXIST

We are writing on behalf of Ryder’s Miracle Foundation, a nonprofit created in honor of our son, Ryder.

In his short but extraordinary life, Ryder changed the hearts of many. He filled every space with laughter, hugs, and perseverance. Through his life, he led many to Christ and showed everyone around him what faith, joy, and resilience look like in their purest form. Ryder was truly a modern-day miracle, and his life continues to inspire purpose far beyond his years.

The mission of Ryder’s Miracle Foundation is to raise funds for alternative therapies for children with post-birth (acquired) brain injuries. After a brain injury, alternative and specialized therapies are often critical and life-changing, yet they remain inaccessible for many families.

These therapies may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, intensive therapy programs, and specialized neurological and developmental interventions. Additional therapies may include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, functional neurology, red light therapy, stem cell treatments, and other emerging modalities. For many children with post-birth brain injuries and resulting disabilities, these therapies can lead to meaningful progress—helping them gain new skills, improve communication, increase independence, and enhance overall quality of life.

Many of these treatments are relatively new and considered experimental or emerging within the medical system. As a result, they are often not formally recognized by insurance providers and are offered at a high out-of-pocket cost. This leaves many families—particularly those who do not qualify for traditional assistance programs—without access to therapies that could significantly improve their child’s outcomes.

Ryder benefited from many of these therapies, and they profoundly impacted his growth and ability to engage with the world around him. These treatments changed what was possible for him. Ryder’s Miracle Foundation exists to help make those same life-changing opportunities possible for other children and families walking a similar path.