In Honor of Ryder
Anencephaly
March 2024
Ryder’s story began with a deep friendship and an act of love.
Audrey Steward and Crystal Carter are best friends. Knowing that Crystal was unable to have more children but still longed to grow her family, Audrey had offered to carry a child for her. When Audrey became pregnant, they made the decision together that Crystal and Bradley Bailey would adopt the baby.
From the very beginning, Ryder was surrounded by intention, love, and hope. Crystal and Bradley attended all of Audrey’s doctor appointments and prepared to welcome her into their family.
“Our hopes were for so much joy and happiness,” they shared. “We were so excited—and even more when we found out she was a girl.”
At first, the pregnancy seemed normal. But around 20 weeks, everything changed.
After a routine screening returned concerning results, Audrey was referred to specialists in Columbia, Missouri. It was there that doctors delivered the diagnosis: Ryder had anencephaly, a severe neural tube defect in which the brain and skull did not fully develop; the baby would not survive.
“We were crushed,” Crystal said. “We cried for months, and even now we miss her so much. Our whole life changed.”
Doctors explained the uncertainty ahead—that Ryder might not survive the pregnancy, could be stillborn, or might live only minutes or hours after birth. Despite the diagnosis, Audrey continued the pregnancy.
“We carried her until the day I gave birth to her,” Audrey shared.
Ryder was born – alive – in the early hours of the morning. She passed away about an hour after she was born.
The loss has left a lasting impact on everyone who loved her. “We didn’t get the chance to know her,” Audrey said.
“Losing a child hurts so much,” Crystal shared. “It feels like you failed your daughter, like you didn’t protect her. It affects daily life, even trying to be there for our other kids.”
Ryder’s life, though brief, is deeply felt by her family. “She was a bright, beautiful princess,” Crystal said, added that they will carry their love for her with them always.
For Audrey, the grief shows up in the moments that should have included Ryder. “It’s still hard that she’s not here—spending her birthday and holidays without her,” she said. “So we plan to have birthday parties for her still and put things out for her on the holidays.”
In fact, On Angels’ Wings was not only there to provide pictures when Ryder was born, but also provided a first birthday memorial session for the families. It’s a milestone they didn’t get to have with Ryder there, but still worth celebrating.
In the midst of their grief, they’ve all found support through On Angels’ Wings.
“Our pictures mean everything,” Crystal shared. “They are memories for us to look back on and cherish Ryder.”
For Audrey, those images and the continued support have helped keep Ryder’s memory alive. “On Angels’ Wings helps us remember her every day,” she said.
Families like Ryder’s often face unimaginable circumstances with little time to prepare. In those moments, connection and remembrance matter deeply.
“I tell people On Angels’ Wings is the best place to go for help with the loss of a child,” Crystal said. “They make memories of your child and do what they can to be there for support.”
Ryder’s life was short, but she is remembered—through the love of the woman who carried her, the family who was waiting for her, and those who continue to honor her every day.
