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Doing Something for Tyler

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Our dear friend Tyler has been dealing with ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) for the past few years, all the while maintaining his trademark sense of humor and grace. Unfortunately, the disease has progressed since the fall of 2017. His family have been superhuman in their care for Tyler, though with healthcare costs and other needs, we would like to start a fund for Tyler and his family to use as they see fit.

Who I am: My name is Sherri Racine, though some of you knew me best as Sherri Bruhn, or, simply "Bruhn."

Where I'm from: I currently live in Naperville, outside of Chicago. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Togo, West Africa, 1995-1998. 

My relationship to Tyler and his family: Tyler is a dear friend whom I first met during our training together before entering the Peace Corps in 1995. We became friends during our service together and have sporadically remained in touch over the last 20-odd years. I recently visited Tyler and his family at their home in Lexington, Virginia, in late September 2017. This visit prompted me, along with several other friends in the Peace Corps network to want to start a fund to help Tyler and his family address his medical needs as ALS progresses to its later stages.

How will the funds be used:  We believe Tyler and his family will be able to use these funds to offset the costs related to his care, upgrades to their home to facilitate Tyler's mobility, and any staffing costs related to his medical needs. Additionally, we would like to make funds available for his two young daughters, to be used for a college trust fund or any other way that Tyler and his wife see fit.

How we plan to send the funds to Tyler and his family: I will withdraw the funds raised as of January 26 ($10,402) and write a check in Tyler's name that will be delivered to him and his family in person on February 3, 2018. After the initial withdrawal, I will make monthly withdrawals of additional money raised and mail subsequent checks to Tyler and his family.  I am personally covering the costs of all GoFundMe fees, so that the money you donate will be the amount that Tyler and his family receive.

Whether to use the funds for healthcare assistance, a weekly cleaning service, accessibility modifications to their house, a trust for the girls' college fund, or raucous parties, please consider contributing to Tyler and his family today. Our initial goal was to raise at least $10,000 by January 31. We have since increased that goal to $15,000 due to the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from Togo's RPCV community and others who have been touched in some way by Tyler's friendship and spirit. We also feel any amount raised will be used by Tyler and his family in a thoughtful and beneficial way to provide both short-term and long-term financial needs that he and his family face.

If you're unable to give, you can also send Tyler messages of love and support, along with your favorite memories from your time with him in Togo. We will ensure these messages are shared with him and his family. Thank you for being a part of a community unlike any other. 

Please forward or share this notice with any friend of Tyler whom you may know, especially those who may be unaware of the situation.
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Donations 

  • Mike Goldsmith
    • $500 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Sherri Racine
Organizer
Naperville, IL

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