Ryder Smith rare cancer.

Ryder did attend Gilmer High School and marched in parade for ROTC Gilmer. With Cancer!

 Ryder’s Story

 

Ryder is a 17-year-old from Longview, Texas — a quiet, kind, and determined young man who had his whole life planned out. He was in ROTC, proud to wear the uniform, preparing to serve our country after high school. He was working toward his driver’s license and excited to graduate this year.

But then, everything changed.

Ryder started feeling pain deep in his lower body — pain that wouldn’t go away. After several appointments and tests, doctors discovered something rare: a bone growth inside his pelvis pressing against critical nerves that control movement and bodily functions.

That growth turned out to be osteosarcoma — an uncommon and aggressive form of bone cancer. Because of where it’s located, Ryder’s case is one of the rarest possible. The tumor is attached to the nerves that control his ability to walk, use the bathroom, and even his reproductive system. It’s in a part of the body where only two surgeons in the entire United States have the training to perform the kind of operation he might need.

Ryder is now in Dallas receiving specialized treatment. He’s gone through rounds of chemotherapy that have left him weak and sick, unable to keep much food down. The long hours, the pain, and the uncertainty have taken a toll — but even on his hardest days, he faces it all with courage.

He spends most of his time resting, fighting through the exhaustion, and holding onto hope. He’s had a port placed in his chest to receive his treatments — a daily reminder of what he’s enduring, but also of the strength he carries inside.

At home, his family is doing everything possible to keep life steady. They travel back and forth between Longview and Dallas while caring for his younger sister, keeping up with school, work, and their responsibilities at home. They’re holding their faith tightly, trusting that Ryder’s story isn’t ending here — it’s still being written.

Through all of this, Ryder has remained strong in his spirit. His faith in God has not wavered. He believes that this battle is a test, and that he will overcome it.

Because even though life has changed, his dreams are still reachable.

He still dreams of serving, helping others, and making a difference in the world. And with faith, love, and support — those dreams are not gone. They’re just waiting for him on the other side of this fight.

 Please keep Ryder in your prayers. Share his story. Let the world see the strength of this young man who refuses to give up.