Help Aiden Fight Crohn’s Disease ❤️

At just 12 years old, Aiden Ryder is facing a battle that no child should ever have to go through.

If you know Aiden and his parents, Sara and Will Ryder, you know they are some of the kindest, most caring, and giving people you will ever meet. They are always willing to lend a helping hand, and now it's our turn to help them.

Aiden is one of my riding students, and over time, his family has become very close to my heart. Watching a family you care about go through something like this is heartbreaking, especially when it involves a child.

Aiden has been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease that has completely changed his family's day-to-day life.

Some days, Aiden feels pretty good. Other days, he wakes up vomiting, in pain, and dealing with symptoms that no 12-year-old should have to experience. There is no way of knowing what kind of day he is going to have.

For Sara and Will, every stomachache brings another wave of worry. Is this just a bad day? Will he need to be hospitalized again? Is this going to lead to another procedure or surgery?

Sara keeps a suitcase packed by the door because they never know when they might have to head back to the hospital.

Aiden's medical journey is far from over.

He is currently receiving biologic infusions to help manage his Crohn's disease and will soon begin iron infusions as well. His doctors have also recommended Kate Farms nutritional formula as an important part of his treatment plan and his best chance at reaching remission.

Unfortunately, insurance is not covering the formula he needs, creating yet another financial burden for the family.

Crohn's disease has also caused a stricture, which is a narrowing of his intestines. Because of this, Aiden may require surgery in the future. He will also need a liver biopsy.

Between frequent bloodwork, infusions, appointments with specialists and nutritionists, and trips to Children's Hospital, this family has a lot on their plate.

And unfortunately, the bills don't stop coming just because your child is sick.

Their medical expenses after insurance have already exceeded $2,500, with many more expenses expected. Add in the cost of gas, travel, nutritional formula, missed work, and everyday living expenses, and it quickly becomes overwhelming.

But beyond the financial struggles, there is a little boy in the middle of all of this.

A 12-year-old boy who should be worrying about school, friends, horses, and just being a kid. Not hospital visits, infusions, medications, and whether tomorrow will be a good day or a bad one.

And there are two parents doing everything they possibly can to give their son the best care and quality of life.

That's why I'm asking for your help.

I started this GoFundMe to help ease some of the financial stress on the Ryder family so they can focus on what matters most: Aiden's health and getting him into remission.

Donations will help with medical bills, necessary nutritional formula, travel to appointments, treatments, and other expenses related to Aiden's ongoing care.

I know times are tough for everyone, and I understand that not everyone is in a position to donate. But even sharing this fundraiser can make a difference.

Sara, Will, and Aiden are truly wonderful people who would give the shirt off their backs to help someone else. They would never want to be in a position where they need to ask for help, which is exactly why I want to help them.

No family should have to choose between financial stability and getting their child the medical care he needs.

Please consider donating or sharing Aiden's story. Every little bit helps, and every act of kindness means more than you know.

Let's show this family that they aren't facing this battle alone.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Aiden and the Ryder family. ❤️

#AidenStrong #CrohnsAwareness #RyderFamily