My name is Tammy Sweeney, and my husband Stevie and I are asking for help for our 16-year-old son, Tanner.

Tanner is an active, outdoors-loving kid with a huge heart and a special love for animals—especially his birds. If you know him, you know how much joy they bring him.

Not long ago, Tanner started having knee pain. What we thought was something minor quickly turned into something much more serious. After multiple doctor visits, we were devastated to learn he has been diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans—basically, his knee joint had lost blood flow and was beginning to deteriorate, along with a bone deformity. Without surgery, his condition will continue to worsen.

In a short time, Tanner went from being active to needing a wheelchair. He is only able to stand briefly or walk very short distances due to severe pain.

As we began treatment at UHealth in Miami, more complications were discovered—Tanner also has a torn ACL and lateral meniscus.

He now faces multiple surgeries and a long recovery ahead—at least 12 months or more. This will require frequent trips to Miami every few weeks, along with ongoing therapy and care.

The physical and emotional toll on Tanner has been incredibly difficult, and the financial burden on our family is overwhelming. Like many families, we are hardworking, blue-collar parents doing our best—but the costs of surgeries, travel, hotel stays, and therapy are more than we can manage alone.

We are humbly asking for your support during this time. Any donation, shares, and/or prayers mean the world to us and will help Tanner get the care he needs.

Thank you for taking the time to read Tanner’s story and for supporting our family.

God Bless.

The Sweeneys