Max “Ryker’s” recovery

Hi! I’m Ryker’s aunt Lella. We are raising funds to help support his recovery!

If you don't know Ryker well, allow me to introduce him to you. Ryker is a 7 year-old boy with the most precious and loving spirit. He is gentle, kind, crazy smart, and deeply faithful. He is busy and active and loves playing baseball and football. He recently became a big brother and has shown the most tender love to his sweet sister, Charlotte. He's part of the best cousin crew around, on both sides of his family. In short, Ryker is a VERY loved and a VERY valued member of our family.

On the evening of October 4, 2023, Ryker was at home with his family like any other evening. He suddenly became unconscious and was taken to OU Children's Hospital via ambulance. It was discovered that he had a significant subdural brain bleed. He was taken into emergency surgery to remove part of his skull and relieve pressure on the brain. The cause of the brain bleed is unknown (i.e., there was no obvious trauma that would have caused this). He was sedated on a ventilator for several days to allow his body to rest and heal. MRI scans also revealed that he suffered stokes on the left side of his brain. He was recently taken off the sedation and ventilator. He is awake, aware, and breathing on his own. This is great news!!!! So far, it appears that he can see from his left eye (unsure if he can see from the right eye or has awareness of things that are on the right side of him). It appears that he can hear and understand much of what is going on around him. Thus far, he has been able to sing (!!) and eat some soft foods. He is working on learning to walk again. In the coming days, he will be discharged to a longer-term rehabilitation facility to work on regaining functioning.

Ryker has already beat so many odds. We believe in prayer and have seen it work. Will you join us in praying for our sweet Ryker and his family? We would love prayers that he would regain vision and speech. We would also love for you to pray for his spirit--that God may give him peace, comfort, and confidence. His family also needs prayers during this time --they are both taking time off work to be with Ryker, while also caring for Ryker's 6 month-old beloved sister, Charlotte. Please pray for their hearts as they also have to be away from her while they support her big brother.

We appreciate all of the prayers and support! We will keep this page updated with news and specific prayer requests.

Love, Ryker's Aunt Lella