Ryah’s Journey: A Story of Resilience and Love

Life often brings unexpected challenges, but sometimes, those challenges are met with extraordinary strength. This is Ryah’s story—a story of courage, love, and hope that defies all expectations.

Ryah was born at 38 weeks. Her parents, Janelle and Riely, had no reason to suspect anything unusual during the pregnancy; every ultrasound showed normal growth. But when Ryah was born, the room fell silent. She wasn’t crying, and Janelle could feel the air change as nervousness crept in. “What is going on? Tell me what is happening,” she anxiously asked Riely.

He looked down at their newborn daughter, then back at Janelle, and softly said, “She has six fingers and six toes on each hand and foot, and she has a hole in her face.” Shock and confusion followed as the doctors quickly took Ryah to assess her condition. Little did they know, Ryah’s journey was only beginning.

After spending her first hours of life at South Health Campus in Calgary, Ryah was transferred to the Alberta Children’s Hospital and admitted to the NICU. Doctors ran a series of tests, trying to understand her condition. Janelle and Riely braced themselves for the news. The medical team brought them into a separate room and delivered a heart-wrenching diagnosis: Ryah had Trisomy 13, a rare genetic disorder. They explained that the prognosis was grim—most babies with this condition don’t survive beyond the first month, and those who do often face significant health challenges. The doctors suggested that they call their family to meet Ryah while they still had time.

In those moments, Janelle and Riely faced a reality no parent should have to endure. But Ryah, with her fighting spirit, had other plans. Against all odds, Ryah survived that first month and continued to thrive in ways no one could have imagined. Today, at six years old, she’s a living testament to resilience and the boundless love of her family.

Over the past six years, Ryah’s life has been filled with moments of joy, adventure, and triumph. Her family, determined to make every day special, created a bucket list for Ryah. Local news outlets like CTV News followed her incredible journey as she completed each milestone. From riding in a police car to soaring through the sky in a plane, Ryah has embraced every experience with bravery and enthusiasm.

One of her first bucket list adventures was flying high above the Springbank Airport, where a generous pilot took her and her family for a plane ride. “She was so brave, and the smile on her face was priceless,” Janelle recalls. The Calgary Police Service also made her dream of riding in a police car come true, taking Ryah and her siblings on an unforgettable ride before exploring the police museum at Youth Link. And in a moment of pure joy, Ryah got her ears pierced, choosing beautiful pearl earrings to mark the occasion.

Ryah continues to inspire everyone around her. Every milestone she reaches defies the predictions made at her birth. She attends school, laughs with her siblings, and enjoys life to the fullest—each day a precious gift her family treasures. The love and support from Janelle, Riely, and her siblings have been a crucial part of her journey, helping her overcome obstacles and showing the world that she is far more than her diagnosis.

At Classic LifeCare, we are honored to be part of Ryah’s support network, offering care that empowers her family to focus on the things that matter most—making memories, celebrating milestones, and nurturing Ryah’s unstoppable spirit. Ryah’s story is one of defying expectations, and we are proud to stand alongside her family as they continue to share this incredible journey.

Each day with Ryah reminds us that life’s greatest strength often comes from its most vulnerable moments. As she continues to surpass every limit placed on her, we are reminded that love, determination, and care can move mountains.

Ryah’s journey is far from over, and we are excited to see what incredible things she will do next.