Tyler’s Girlfriend Gives Ultimate Christmas Present
— Categories: Press Release Posted on March 29, 2017
Tyler's girlfriend, Nicole, holds fundraiser at a local bar to raise funds for the CERN Foundation.
Tyler battled an aggressive brain cancer that resembled an ependymoma and sadly passed at the age of 21 on September 17, 2016. Tyler was first diagnosed at the age of 10. Following surgery and radiation, he was cancer free for 9 years. When he was 19, his tumor recurred after his first year of college. He fought bravely with a smile and optimistic attitude the entire time with his girlfriend, Nicole, friends and family by his side. He loved with all his heart and brought joy to others in everything he did. “We are so proud of the man he was and his accomplishments were endless,” shares Theresa, Tyler’s mom.
This past Christmas, Nicole, thought raising money for the CERN Foundation might be a good gift for him. “I wanted his present to be meaningful and I think raising money to potentially help another family one day would be something that would have made him happy,” shares Nicole.
She created a fundraising event at a local bar, Fourth Street Bar and Grille, in Columbus, OH and invited all the fellow Buckeye’s to join in. Wristbands were sold and all the proceeds would go directly to CERN. Nicole “thought it would be a good way to get people out and together instead of just donating online. Tyler would want people to have fun!” Nicole created a Facebook page about the event as well as an online fundraising page, with the goal to raise $2,000.
The event was a huge success. Over 300 people from the community attended, including Tyler’s family and friends. For those who were unable to make the event, they were still able to participate by donating online. “It was moving to see all who loved Tyler celebrate his life and raise money for the CERN Foundation,” said Theresa.
On Christmas Day Eve, Nicole presented Tyler’s parents with the gift. She shared with them the total amount raised from the fundraiser – over $5,600. Nicole was “so moved by the amount of support! Tyler was smiling.”
Tyler’s parents were thankful to receive such a thoughtful gift from Nicole. “We love her and the way she loved Tyler. He loved her with all his heart. They described their relationship as a house. Nicole was his floor because she held him up. Tyler was her roof as he kept her safe. They were home to each other. We miss Tyler everyday and we hope this will allow the CERN Foundation to get closer to finding a cure.”