Hi, I’m Tara Pyne Bartz and I’m setting up this fundraiser for my lifelong friend Troy.

On October 2, 2025, Troy Pridgeon, who has not only been a dear friend to me since Kindergarten but to a lot of you as well, suffered a massive stroke while leaving the gym. He is only 56 years old and had just started thinking, like many of us, about how he wanted to live out this part of his journey. This is not what he had in mind for sure.

He suffered paralysis on the right side and has lost his ability to speak. He is currently at Kessler Rehabilitation Center in West Orange and could not only use all our prayers but some serious support as life has changed immensely for him and his loving family. He has such a long road ahead of him as he tries to get movement and strength back to his right side as well as learning to speak again.

Once released from Kessler and to be able to go home, things will need to be renovated for him to be able to move around, such as a ramp just to get in and out of the house, possibly some doorways widened, and other such improvements. The hope is he will regain his ability to walk, but for now, he is in a wheelchair. Carolyn will need to hire some help once he is home when she needs to go to work for his care, so I understand the ask is a lot, but every little bit could make such a difference in their daily lives.

Troy and Carolyn have 2 children, and their world as they knew it has changed immensely. Their daughter Kaitlyn has been a strong support and is trying to be there for both her parents, and their son Aiden is finishing up college out of state. That alone will be difficult, I’m sure, as Troy has always put his family first. He would love nothing more than to see his son graduate college and start his own journey.

Troy has always been such a gentle, loving soul who cares so deeply for all he knows and loves. He is always the first one to put everyone suffering, whether big or small, into his prayers. Now he needs not only our prayers but any help we can offer.

The last 6 weeks have been very difficult, physically, emotionally, and financially on not only Troy but his loving family. It’s so beautiful to see the steadfast love between Troy and Carolyn that has continued since high school, and I know they can get through anything together.

It’s a difficult time for many of us as we approach the holidays, but with that spirit in mind, I ask if you could help in any way. Please also keep him in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless…Mo-Town & Texas Strong! Keep fighting, Troy, and like I told you and Carolyn, “We got you”!