Love and support for Ryder

Our little man is turning 10 months old after the day he has surgery. Devin and I would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to look at this page and for any donations! We truly appreciate all the help and support.

When Ryder was born he always had an "odd" shaped head, we thought nothing of it and thought he would eventually grow out of it. Being young, new parents we were in complete awe with our little man and how perfect he was to us. As time went on, we noticed his forehead was a bit more defined than "usual". At doctors appotintments they would check and say his head was growing properly but they wanted to keep an eye on it. We were sent for an ultrasound to help ease our minds. The results came back that nothing was wrong. We were beyond happy of course! A little while later we had a family member tell us we should ask the doctor about craniosynostosis. I booked an appointment with his paediatrician and asked him if the shape of his head looks concerning as we are hearing many different things and would like another opinion. Again, to help ease our minds they requested an X-ray. The results came back, Ryder has craniosynostosis. This is where the bones in his skull have closed permanently, before his brain has fully grown. By closing too early it could lead to pressure on the brain (this has not happened to Ryder), effect the development and growth, shape and appearance.

When we got the news we were told his file would be sent to sickkids and we would have to wait and see if they accept his case or not. We were lucky enough that sickkids accepted Ryder's case. Ryder's treatment will consist of surgery to help give his brain more room to grow properly. He will undergo surgery in a week, afterwards he will spend up to a week in the hospital for recovery. The surgery will include them making an incision from ear to ear over top of his head. They will open the bone in the front of his forehead, reposition his eye sockets and correct his eye brow bones. The surgery will be 5-6 hours without complications. He will have several followup appointments and have a long road for recovery.

We have started a GoFundMe account to help with financial costs. We were unable to get support thru the hospital or Ronald McDonald rooms as his condition is not life threatening. The money that is raised will help go towards hotel room, gas, food,parking, bills, anything that may need to be purchased to help Ryder in recovery at the hospital or at home. We have had several appointments at sickkids already resulting in time off for devin which is unpaid.

If there is any money that is not used for any reason, we will donate the remaining money to sickkids.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story. We are beyond lucky to have sickkids taking care of Ryder. Our little man, our world, will be in the best hands possible while he is in sickkids.

Love Devin, Nicole and Ryder ❤️❤️