Because This Time, the Monster Lost. 

At just 10 months old, Ryder’s laughter was a constant joy in every room. His giggles filled his home, bringing happiness to everyone who heard them. But one day, his mother noticed something strange. One side of Ryder’s smile began to droop. Her heart sank. She had seen that same look years ago, when her own sister had been taken by a brain tumor at just seven years old.

And then came the words no parent should ever hear:
“It’s a tumor.”

The tumor wrapped around Ryder’s brainstem — too deep to remove with surgery. The diagnosis was even more devastating: Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT), one of the rarest and most aggressive childhood brain cancers.

What followed was a harrowing journey: months of chemotherapy, radiation, and endless rounds of painful recovery. Ryder lost his ability to swallow, to eat, to play. His world became confined to the walls of a hospital, with IV tubes and sterile corridors replacing the normal joy of childhood. But through it all, Ryder never stopped smiling. His resilience became a beacon of hope for his family and the medical team fighting alongside him.

And then… a miracle.

After two surgeries and a year of relentless treatment, Ryder’s scans came back clear. The tumor was gone.

Today, Ryder is running, laughing, eating, and living life to its fullest. He is a living testament to the power of hope, love, and the unwavering dedication of both science and humanity.

This story didn’t end in sorrow; it ended in victory. The monster that threatened his life was defeated.

This time, the monster lost.