Meet Ty. In May of 2024, Ty joined a group of athletes who promote inclusion in their communities. In 2024, Ty participated in 11 events, 10 of those being in NE Ohio, and 1 of those being a half marathon. In this event, the James A. Garfield 5k and Half Marathon, Ty took the award for 2nd place in his age group. He was determined as he pulled his runner across the finish line. Ty has also participated in several social events with his new running community. As a first-year athlete, it is very impressive, just as Ty's determination, motivation, and humor are. Ty has had great support from his family. They attend his events and bring homemade signs to cheer him on. In November of 2024, his mom, "Mel," took to the pavement as she pushed Ty in her first 5k event. In December, Ty's dad, "Travis," took his turn to push Ty in the Louisville "Santa Run." Ty's younger sister, Izzy, loves attending the events and being his biggest cheerleader. Ty's grandparents, Doug and Mary, enjoy being spectators and cheering Ty to the finish line. A very special race for Ty's grandpa, a veteran of the National Guard, was the Veteran's Day Half Marathon, where he experienced his grandson in his element honoring veterans with his very first Half Marathon event. His mom, Mel, shares how touched and excited she is to be able to experience the amazement of her son in this element in his community, where he experiences freedom to live his best life. Watching Ty grow into an athlete is something that Mel never thought she would have the opportunity to experience.

This year on Aug 19, Ty will be having a big birthday as he will be turning 21. What a huge birthday this is, as medical professionals told his family that he would not live to be 10. In 2023, due to ongoing complex medical issues, the family was told that they would be surprised if Ty lived to the summer of 2023. Here it is 2025, and Ty has established the status of an athlete. He has a new family in his community of runners and volunteers. This year, Ty and his family have set a goal for Ty to become a part of the 1% elite group of people who are "marathon finishers." This opportunity to complete his first Marathon will be September 20. NE Ohio Ainsley's Angels will take to the road to participate in the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio. This will be Ty's first opportunity to travel the day before the Marathon, attend the Expo and hang

out with his Angel families from all over the U.S. at a special dinner.

This fundraiser is an opportunity for you to join Ty's community and support his goals. Many events he participates in, he is given free entry to. There are some he chooses that he must pay his entry fee to. Given the enthusiasm of his family to help him live his "best life," there is much cost entailed for registration fees for his parents to be his runner, as well as costs for his gear, his transportation, over night stay at his first Marathon and food while on the road.

Thank you for taking the time to read and get to know Ty and his accomplishments and goals as an Athlete. We appreciate your donation to keep TY and his family "rolling" and "running". Oh... and your donation will help TY gain the title of MARATHON FINISHER this race season 2025.