Hi, I’m Ashley Gearhart, and I’m writing on behalf of my brother and sister-in-law, Flynn’s parents, as well as our entire family. I know so many of you love our family and want to help, but right now their only focus is Flynn. My hope is to give everyone a way to rally behind them during what has become the toughest uphill climb of their lives.

Flynn Gearhart is 10 years old — incredibly smart, thoughtful, and endlessly curious. He’s always been a problem solver, the kind of kid who quietly studies the world until he figures out a solution no one else would have noticed. He practically came into this world on wheels — completely infatuated with cars from birth. To know this, is to know Flynn.

Over the last few years, that love of motion turned into a full-blown passion for mountain biking. Flynn rides and races with the Rochester Area Youth Cycling Raptors, and he’s really good at it. When he’s not racing, you’ll find him outside and getting into trouble with his two younger brothers — as young boys should.

A few short weeks ago, after what we thought was just a minor concussion, everything changed. Flynn was diagnosed with a cancerous brain stem tumor. Within days, he was admitted to Mott's Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he underwent nine hours of surgery. It was an excruciating week for the family, especially for his little brothers who missed him terribly.

Flynn is now home, surrounded by his family, and about to embark on the toughest uphill climb of his life. True to who he is, he’s treating this not as the end of the road, but as a flat tire along the trail — just another problem to solve before he gets back on the bike.

Alongside his doctors and family, Flynn has begun a very specific treatment plan that includes medical procedures, dietary changes and ongoing care. His parents understandably want to be with him every possible moment, which means missing work and taking on countless new expenses — medical bills, travel to hospitals and appointments, extra childcare, and everything in between. The last thing any parent should have to wonder is how they’ll pay a bill while fighting to save their child’s life.

This fundraiser will help cover those expenses so Flynn’s parents can focus where they’re needed most — with him.

Our family has always believed in the power of community, and if you know Flynn, you know he gives everything he has to the people and things he loves. Now it’s our turn to show up for him — to make sure the Gearharts feel the strength of the village behind them.

Every donation, every share, every message of encouragement means more than words can say. Thank you for helping us lift Flynn and his family as they take this one pedal at a time.

Flynn’s Flat Tire Fund is already rolling thanks to your generosity!