As a company who supports clients that provide aid to the disabled, one of our favorite things to do at Advantec is to read stories of those overcoming their physical capabilities. Thanks to science, technology, and generous strangers, people all across the world are learning to not only live with disabilities, but to tear down the barriers they create and excel in a field that they are passionate about.
One such story that touches our heart is that of Ryder, a three year old boy from Buffalo, New York. Ryder is a little boy with aspirations of becoming a hockey player. In utero, Ryder’s leg stopped growing, and at just one year old his parents made the difficult decision of choosing to have his leg amputated. Playing hockey is hard enough with both limbs, so they were at a loss for what to do.
Despite the physical challenge, Ryder excelled at Hockey! However, his leg wouldn’t twist on the ice, capping his abilities and putting a halt to his talent. In February, in hopes of inspiring someone through her son and beginning a foundation, Ryder’s mother, Mindy, posted a YouTube video. Thousands saw it and became inspired by the little boy’s passion and determination. Miraculously, someone who wished to remain anonymous saw the story and contacted the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. That generous stranger paid for a trip to the Windy City and two prosthetic legs for the young boy.
One of the legs is waterproof, so Ryder can swim or shower with two limbs. Another is a leg specially made for the purpose of playing hockey, so now he can skate more easily.
The boy’s parents, overwhelmed with gratitude, even began a foundation they named Unlimbited. They want to raise money to help provide prosthetic limbs to other children like their son so they can have the same abilities as Ryder. They even were considering starting a limb bank so those who cannot afford limbs can share them with others.A local hockey team, the Buffalo Sabres, also reached out and Ryder even got the chance to skate with them!
Ryder’s story is among many that can give us strength and hope about life. Disabilities really can’t be classified as disabilities anymore- not with all of the technology and generous organizations that are slowly turning physical barriers into a thing of the past.
For more information about this young boy’s journey, visit Ryder’s Video. To see some of our clients who work in similar industries, or to learn about how Advantec plays a part in helping those with disabilities, visit our webpage!
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