Ryan is 10 years old and is just like any other kid although she suffers from a debilitating disease called Spina Bifida. She is confined to a wheelchair, however, Ryan’s condition doesn’t let it slow her down thanks to the generosity and caring teachers at her elementary school.
Because of her condition, normal activities for Ryan are a challenge.
Ryan King and her family live in Louisville, Kentucky and due to her wheelchair restrictions, she sadly misses out a lot on her school’s activities. She has Spina Bifida which is a condition in which the spine does not form properly in the womb and often leaves patients unable to walk and typically a lifetime of complications, many requiring surgery.
The condition causes a gap in the spinal column leaving nerve damage and paralysis. Ryan has had 39 surgeries so far and faces many challenges. Unfortunately, a lot of the school’s field trips are not wheelchair accessible which leaves Ryan out.
The students were going on a field trip and a teacher reached out to help.
When Ryan’s mom, Shelly King, heard that the class at Tully Elementary School was going on a trip to the Falls of the Ohio State Park, she knew that Ryan would have to miss out again. The area was not wheelchair friendly and it seemed that Ryan would not be able to attend the trip, but then, they got some exciting news.
“Obviously, NOT accessible. I was preparing for an “alternate field trip day” when a male teacher reached out and said “I’m happy to tote her around on the falls all day!” writes Shelly on Facebook page, Team Ryan.
Another fourth-grade teacher in the school, Jim Freeman, said he would carry Ryan on his shoulders so that she could go along.
“She has an unbelievable amount of obstacles to overcome, and so I could just help her out in one, simple way,” explained the Jim Freeman.
He carried her so that she could attend the trip.
Ryan was overjoyed and grateful that the teacher would make such a kind offer. The teacher’s offer was just the encouragement that she needed and allowed her to attend the trip with her friends.
“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. This is the day I’ve been waiting for,” said Ryan as she got into the backpack.
Ryan and her mother want to spread the news of Jim’s kindness and want everyone to remember that one person can make a huge impact in the lives of others. Their story is being spread across the country like wildfire, encouraging people that small acts of kindness do not go unappreciated.
Ryan’s message is simple, “You can do anything you can want.”
There are so many wonderful and caring teachers out there who do not get enough thanks and praise for their kind acts and generous spirits. Many children and families are blessed to have such angels in their schools!
Check out this amazing story of kindness below!
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Source: Team Ryan Facebook Page
