Ryker is an adventurous and joyful child with a love for speed, movement, and spending hours building with Legos. His radiant smile brightens every room, and although he is more introverted by nature, he skillfully balances social engagement with moments of quiet independence. Ryker’s passions include roller coasters, bike riding, Legos, and animals. While he may not always be the most vocal, he embraces life fully and with enthusiasm.

Born four weeks prematurely in Las Vegas alongside his identical twin due to preeclampsia, Ryker faced significant challenges at birth. He had a low Apgar score,breathing difficulties, and spent five weeks in the NICU due to an absent sucking reflex. Early medical concerns prompted genetic testing, revealing heart conditions and resulting in multiple specialist consultations. Diagnosed with failure to thrive, Ryker was frequently hospitalized during his first year and underwent open-heart surgery at age two.

A subsequent move to Denver brought additional diagnoses, including chromosomal abnormalities, hearing loss, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), alongside ongoing treatment for pulmonary stenosis and sleep apnea. Despite these challenges, Ryker has made remarkable progress. Thanks to consistent therapy and comprehensive medical care, many of his conditions are well-managed, allowing him to thrive and approach each day with resilience, heart, and joy.