by: Jeff Derderian
Posted: Nov 28, 2024 / 05:27 PM EST | Updated: Nov 29, 2024 / 05:18 AM EST
WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A 20-year-old who with brain cancer is hoping for a Christmas miracle this Thanksgiving.
Ryder Scelza, from Rocky Hill, is going through specialized rehabilitation at Gaylord Hospital. For the last 79 days, his condition has left him unable to speak. Despite that, Scelza is fighting against the disease that has taken away his voice for now, but not his spirit.
His love of Taylor Swift has kept him going and his mother hopes somehow, someway, the global superstar will hear about this wish and reach out Scelza in some way.
“He’s been fighting so hard every day and now without being able to use his left side, and it’s really hard for him to walk,” his mother, Linda Scelza, said.
A speech therapist who works with Ryder came up with the idea of trying to see if a connection could be made with Swift to help energize him.
Ryder’s mom can’t work right now because things are so touch-and-go with her son. She sleeps in the hospital room every night in a small bed just inches from her son.
A GoFundMe called “Raising For Ryder” has been set up to try and help the family.
Ryder has had four surgeries and his cancer has come back five times, despite every effort to stop it. His mother said the latest tumor is inoperable, but said that giving up is not an option.
Ryder’s mother recalls the last words she heard her son speak 79 long days ago: “I love you, and it will be OK.”
Ryder’s room at the hospital is decorated from top to bottom with Swift reminders. He has a blanket that covers him, a huge poster above his bed, a “Swiftie” sweater that he wears all the time. Also, he has several tattoos from some of Swift’s songs on his arm and back.
His sister said Ryder has a written a note, in his own words, that reflects how much Swift’s music means to him.
“I listen when I am getting brain scans, and it can be very loud, and the music helps me relax and when I’m stressed, I listen to her albums,” said Ryder, who has been hospitalized 30 times, and been in the emergency room more than 50 times.
Staff from the hospital have reached out to Swift’s representatives and are hoping to hear back. And Ryder is asking anyone who might be a fan to reach to the superstar and let her know about his wish.