Last month, the state of Texas saw its deadliest mass shooting in modern history. A crazed gunman killed 25 people attending mass at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.
JoAnn Ward, a mother of four, was one of the victims. Her two young daughters, Emily and Brooke, were also killed.
Joann's 5-year-old stepson, Ryland, miraculously survived five gunshot wounds.
Though he's proving to be an incredible fighter, doctors are saying Ryland may not be discharged from the hospital in time for Christmas and New Year's.
While in recovery, Ryland's grandmother, Sandy, saw his face light up when he was surprised with a holiday delivery.
That's when Sandy got an idea — and it's going massively viral for all the right reasons.
On November 5, 2017, the state of Texas experienced its deadliest mass shooting in modern history.
A crazed shooter killed 25 people in attendance at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.
JoAnn Ward, 30, took her four kids to the church that day — Rhianna Garcia, 9, Emily Garcia, 7, Brooke Ward, 5, and stepson Ryland Ward, 5.
JoAnn was killed in the tragedy, along with daughters Emily and Brooke.
Joann died trying to save her four children from the gunfire.
The heroic mother "threw her body over the little ones."
Joann's 5-year-old stepson, Ryland, survived. So did his sister, Rhianna.
Ryland was shot five times: twice in the stomach, twice in the leg, and once in the elbow.
The little boy was found clinging to life and lying among the church pews.
Ryland, who was still awake but not speaking when he was found inside the church, was carried out of the church by his uncle.
The bullets shattered Ryland’s femur. It hasn't been healing the way doctors want it to.
Doctors say Ryland may not be discharged from the hospital in time for Christmas and New Year's.
Ryland's grandmother, Sandy, says the family hasn't yet told him about the passing of his stepmother and sisters.
"…I’m sure he’s kind of getting some kind of idea because he’s 5, and everybody else has been up there to see him, and they haven’t been there."
Sandy recently went to the public to share Ryland's simple yet touching Christmas wish.
She's asking kindhearted strangers to send Ryland Christmas cards with a dollar inside, if they'd like.
Despite the pain and trauma he has recently endured, Sandy says this incredible little boy is still smiling.
Sandy got the idea for the Christmas cards after seeing Ryland's face light up when he was surprised with a holiday delivery.
Businesses and strangers from across the world are now sending cards and well wishes to Ryland.
"I feel like it's the very least we can do as humans for a child shot is send him a Christmas Card.
"It was fun…..and I'm sure I got a bigger lift out of it, then he will, so won't you join me?"
The family posted on their GoFundMe page with an update on Ryland.
“Ryland’s surgery today to put a stint in his kidney was a success. If it holds, it will remain in place 6 weeks.
"Please pray it holds and that he will not lose a kidney. This young warrior has many battles to overcome."
If you would like to send Ryland a Christmas card, please send it to:
Ryland Ward
P.O. Box 174
Sutherland Springs, Texas, 78161
Please SHARE Ryland's Christmas wish with your friends on Facebook. Let's try to give him the best Christmas possible.
