Ryder Barnes and his twin sister were born on June 23rd, 2020. On Thanksgiving of 2021, this normally happy baby became extremely ill. He spiked a high fever and soon lost his vision, muscle movement, and the ability to eat or drink on his own.

After a week in a Tulsa Hospital with no diagnosis, Ryder was sent to Texas Children Hospital in Houston where he was diagnosed with Baylisascaris; a rare parasitic infection cause by a roundworm in raccoons. Ryder is 1 of 26 known cases worldwide.

This infection has caused brain atrophy, leading to brain damage. In January, Ryder was moved to a rehabilitation center in Bethany, Oklahoma, where he is currently re-learning how to eat, drink, crawl, walk and stand.

The 2022 Iron Pigs Nation & Hearts on Duty Poker Run is dedicated to helping Ryder’s family with his medical expenses.

For more information and to view the live auction and raffle items, check out the event Facebook page: here