As a parent, the hardest thing to do is ask for help. You just find a way, figure it out , work a little harder, etc., and it all works out. I've been living by that mantra most of my life. Something breaks, I fix it. No problem.
  On December 15, 1999, my son Tyler was born with Spina Bifida. It occurs when the spinal cord does not completely develop. We found out about his condition 7 months into the pregnancy. I quickly discovered, there were somethings I cannot "just fix."
  As Tyler grew up, I have always told him, (as well as all my kids), that winners find a way. And there were always alternate ways of doing everything, we just had to think outside the box. Since he was little, I've watched Tyler play baseball, throw the football with his friends, ride go-carts, go deer hunting and just about anything else he's wanted to do, he found a way to do it.
  Tyler is now a Freshman in high school. He has always been interested in wheelchair racing but we couldn't seem to figure out how to introduce him to the sport. In  early Spring of 2015, Tyler and I were volunteering at the Rescue Mission of Shreveport when by divine appointment, we met just the right person. This man saw Tyler and introduced himself, asking if Tyler was participating in Track & Field sports. The man told us that his son was participating and that we should come check it out. Tyler and I went to the next track meet and met the Coaches.
   Unfortunately, Track season was coming to a close, but that didn't discourage Tyler's interest. Tyler started attending Track & Field practices immediately and practiced for the next 9 months until Track season started up again at the beginning of this year.
  He has been participating in the Louisiana G.U.M.B.O. games.
https://www.facebook.com/GUMBOprogram/

Through this organization, Tyler has been using a "loaner" racing wheelchair. He has been using this borrowed racing wheelchair for close to a year now. In this wheelchair, he has won 4 First Place ribbons and 1 First Place trophy. He has recently participated in the Texas Regional Paralympic Sports meet and won 7 Gold medals. 100m, 200m, 400m, discus, javelin, shot put and Power Lifting. Tyler now has the opportunity to keep pushing toward his Goals for Team USA Jr Paralympics.
http://www.teamusa.org/us-paralympics

 In order to continue his journey, Tyler needs to travel for Regional and National Track & Field meets. He also needs a new Racing Wheelchair. Tyler is rapidly growing out of the borrowed Racing Wheelchair he's been using for the past year. The seat is becoming too narrow and causing hip pain.
 
  1)  The cost for a new Racing Wheelchair that will be fitted for his specific needs, will cost approximately $3000.

http://www.eaglesportschairs.com/racer2.html


   2)  Tyler's next scheduled competition is in June 2016, located in Oklahoma City, OK.  We need help with registration fees and travel expenses incurred with these competitions. 

https://www.uco.edu/wellness/sr/endeavor/about-the-endeavor-games.asp


   3) Tyler is already qualified to compete in the Junior Nationals 2016 competition, which is located in Wisconsin. We are asking for help with registration fees and travel cost. Getting qualified for this meet is a BIG deal and we need to get Tyler there!

http://www.juniornationals2016.com/


 
  We are asking for Prayers and Donations to help Tyler achieve his goals. Thank you for taking time to read about Tyler's journey.
  When parenting any child, there comes a point when the child becomes the teacher and you become the student. Through the years, Tyler has been teaching me that winners do find a way. God Bless.