12-year-old Montrose boy selected as 2025 Children’s Miracle Network champion

October 31, 2023, will be a Halloween that the Munson family will never forget. On a dark, snowy Michigan night, 11-year-old Ryder Munson dressed as a zombie soldier to go trick-or-treating with friends. While crossing the street, Ryder was struck by a minivan and launched several feet into the air. Ryder’s mom, Sandi, heard the accident but had no clue that it was her son until someone in the group screamed, “It’s Ryder!” 

Ryder’s dad, Jeff, was a few steps behind and could not believe the scene unfolding right before him. Jeff recalls the moments laying on the pavement with Ryder, as they waited for the ambulance to arrive as the scariest moments of his life. 

Jeff rode with Ryder in the ambulance, and when they arrived at Hurley Children’s Hospital, Ryder was immediately assessed by the trauma team. During the examination, Hurley’s Trauma Team found Ryder’s brain to be bleeding, and before his other injuries could be treated, that had to be resolved. 

Ryder was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Hurley Children’s Hospital so that his brain bleed could be monitored. In addition to a broken femur, which required surgery, Ryder also sustained fractures in his pelvis, tailbone, left scapula, and skull.

During Ryder’s hospital stay, Jeff and Sandi were prepared to spend every night in the small reclining chair at Ryder’s bedside. But, thanks to funds provided by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Ryder’s parents were able to utilize one of the CMN parent sleep rooms at the hospital. Knowing that they could stay overnight close to Ryder’s room was a huge relief.

After Ryder’s femur surgery, Ryder and his family were moved to the inpatient rehabilitation unit at Hurley. Throughout his stay, Ryder, who is an avid fan of all things military and police, received special visits from many members of the first responder community. Denis McGuckin and his canine officers “Shots” and ‘Dre-Ko’ visited Ryder on his final day at Hurley.

Today, Ryder is getting back to the hobbies he loves. He builds Lego sets, plays trombone in the school band, and even started playing soccer again. Thanks to the support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals programs at Hurley Foundation, Ryder was able to make a full recovery. 

Donations made to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals help Hurley Foundation provide parents like Jeff and Sandi with the ability to rest peacefully knowing that they are in close proximity to their child. To learn more about the impact of your generosity on local families, watch Ryder’s champion video.