Hi! My name is Tyler, and I'm 12 years old. I have 3 sisters and 1 brother. I love to play wheelchair basketball, video games, and watch funny youtube videos. I am also beginning to work towards earning my Eagle Scout Award although camping and hiking are a little challenging in a wheelchair.
I was born with Spina Bifida. This is a birth defect that happens when the spinal column doesn't form the way it should before you are born. Every year, about 1,500 babies are born in the U.S. with some form of spina bifida. It affects all different parts of your body, so you need a lot of doctors. My family moved to Colorado when I was 2 years old, so I could have the best doctors to help me be healthy. I have had 34 surgeries so far, and in the last few years have spent over 100 days/nights in the hospital.
Two years ago, I was on vacation with my family and I started getting sick. I had the worst stomach ache ever. We were able to get home quickly so I could come to Children's Hospital and my doctors could figure out what was wrong. Basically, my stomach stopped working. I was there for a long time, and had 4 surgeries.
When I was in the hospital, I played video games, watched movies, and tried to laugh a lot to distract myself from the pain. I've stayed at other hospitals, but to me this one is the best. Children's has the most fun things to do, and the best chocolate chip pancakes (besides Grandma's).
One day, my doctors and nurses came in wearing funny hats and glasses, and that helped me smile again. Another thing that helped distract me was the service dogs that came to my room. Playing with them always made me feel better.
It takes me a long time to get better when I get sick. I'm glad I have a place to go with doctors and nurses that care about me and help me get better. There are so many people at Children's Hospital that have done so much for me!
I am trying to raise money for the hospital so I can help other kids who get sick or hurt.
Please join our team and help us support Children's Hospital Colorado! We are working together to make a difference at the hospital and its life-saving work and research.
Thank you! Go Nuggets!