Ryker update: Prayers and Christmas cards requested

One local family is hoping and praying for a Christmas miracle.

The family of young Ryker Havens continues to thank God for the healing that they just know Ryker is going to receive. Ryker, age 10, was diagnosed in July of 2023 with an inoperable brain tumor. At that time, he was given just two to three months to live. Ryker and his dad, entertainer Chance Havens, spent time at St. Jude's in Memphis, where Ryker underwent radiation and chemotherapy. However, in late summer, the family received some devastating news.

"They said there was nothing more they could do for him—to take him home and make him comfortable," explained Ryker's grandmother, Teresa Havens.  

Ryker's family is doing just that.  Ryker's dad is his full-time caregiver, receiving support from grandparents, Elton and Teresa. As a single dad, Chance takes care of all of Ryker's needs, cooks healthy meals and keeps track of his medication, along with caring for Ryker's seven-year-old brother.  

"I don't know how Chance does it," said Teresa. "How he physically, mentally and emotionally does it. He said, as a daddy, you want to fix everything for your child, and he feels so useless."

The family is seeking holistic treatment, while they wait for the healing they believe that Ryker will receive.  

While he was improving, Ryker has recently suffered a setback.

"He's starting to have headaches, exhaustion and loss of appetite," explained Teresa. "The holistic doctor feels he contracted a virus. She put him on herbs for a virus and to help stop the headaches."

"We are not giving up. We know he is healed, and we are thanking God for his healing," Teresa continued. "God is a healing physician. We have to keep faith and not waver. We know Ryker is healed. We pray over him every day, and he is also praying to God, himself."

Ryker's family asks you to continue to join them in prayer for Ryker as they wait on a Christmas miracle.

You are also invited to send Ryker some encouragement and good cheer, in the form of a Christmas card, to boost his spirits. Cards can be sent to Ryker Havens, 350 Wildwood Drive, A-2, Branson, MO  65616.

"We are so grateful for the outpouring of prayers, texts, calls for Ryker," said Teresa. "This is such a loving community and we feel the love you have for Ryker. We can't thank you all enough.