Rigging Hope: Tyler’s Spinal Recovery Journey

My name is Hope, and I’m fundraising to support the ongoing care and rehabilitation for Tyler Thomas, who recently suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while working as a professional up rigger in the entertainment industry. Tyler is a senior rigger with the IATSE Local 99

On May 29, 2025, Tyler was injured on the job while rigging a concert. What started as a painful neck injury (herniations severely slipped in reverse. Effacement of the ventral sac.) quickly escalated into a life-threatening medical crisis due to a series of medical complications. Within 72 hours, Tyler went paralyzed due to spinal cord compression and inflammation. Tyler is now living with a spinal cord injury (C4 Asia C) and remains bedbound, requiring a very high level of care, advanced rehabilitation, and specialized equipment just to navigate daily life.

Tyler was one of the strongest, most precise riggers I’ve ever worked with, he trained me and worked with me on nearly every show fearless in high places and quick-witted even under pressure. Now, he’s fighting to regain independence, function, and dignity.

I’m managing this fundraiser to assist with critical expenses that are not covered by insurance, such as:

*Disability transportation (Tyler currently has no way to travel to therapy)

*Physical therapy at Neuroworx, a specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation facility

*A custom power wheelchair suited to his size and injury level

*Catheters, mobility aids, and daily care items

*Home accessibility needs and supplies to support long-term spinal cord injury management

Every donation will go directly toward these care-related costs to give Tyler the best chance at healing, mobility, and quality of life. I will be overseeing and distributing the funds to make sure they are used responsibly and effectively on his behalf.

Tyler is not just a patient, he’s a fighter, a friend, and someone who once helped carry the weight of live entertainment with strength and grace. Now it’s our turn to help carry some of his. His workers compensation was denied, he has no insurance and is still hospitalized waiting on a pending medicaid to hopefully be accepted into a skilled nursing facility.

Please consider donating, sharing, or simply sending strength our way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting Tyler’s road to recovery.

~Hope McCurdy