Short story for why this fundraiser...

We need to raise $8,000 for the purchase of an overhead free-standing track system that will assist Tanner being transferred from his bed to his wheelchair multiple times per day. A job that currently requires three people to complete.

Longer story time...

Tanner Rico is an incredible young man with an incredible family. He's been overcoming Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy since birth. You can read more about that journey here.

In 2020, when the world shut down, Tanner's world shut down significantly more. He was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma Cancer. He's been battling tumor after tumor and completed 2 1/2 rounds of chemo before the latest tumor started to grow even under treatment. He's spent more days admitted in the hospital than he has in his own home over the past 3 years. He's been isolated from germs, humans, and normal life/community as he's bravely faced each of these diagnoses. Currently he has chosen to live at home while being treated with oral chemo medications for the most recent tumor he is battling. More on his story here .

Tanner, so far, is the only known individual in the US who is battling BOTH caner and DMD. This makes treating him incredibly complicated and takes a huge medical team, with his parents at the helm advocating for him, considering all aspects of his care for how to proceed day to day.

Tanner is bed-bound aside from his wheelchair which gives him his independence and freedom. Currently it takes three people to transfer him and that needs to be coordinated around availability of family and friends. This overhead free-standing track system would allow for Tanner's transfers to/from his wheelchair by only one person. Additionally, the toll of these awkward transfers over the past 3 years have really begun to take a toll on people's backs. Everyone loves Tanner and would willingly endure any amount of discomfort to help him, but this medical equipment would be a huge game changer.

Please consider a donation of any size to help Tanner gain independence and access to his world. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)