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Fighting when he's down
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Fighting when he’s down
He’s only 13, yet he has endured more in his young lifetime than most of us, hopefully, ever will. Tyler Genneken of Greenwood, has been battling leukemia for two years. He has endured chemotherapy, surgeries, and plenty of visits to Riley Children’s hospital. He has every reason to be discouraged. Instead, he finds ways to help.
After being diagnosed with leukemia, Tyler’s father, Drew Genneken, said he had one goal once he got out of the hospital: help others. And help he has. Tyler donated $1,000 of his own money, saved from birthdays and allowances, to Beads of HOPE (Helping Our Patients Endure), which is a Riley program that helps patients create beaded bracelets that signify various medical illnesses. Not only did he donate money, but he also designed a bead to symbolize remission. And he kept on giving.
Just a small list of his accomplishments: he is participating in an ongoing clinical trial at Riley to learn more about various medications, their effectiveness and side effects. He has been a speaker at more than one Riley Children’s Foundation fundraising event, has helped blood-drives by attending and letting his name be used to raise awareness.
But he also gets some cool recognition in return. Tyler is a major-league, bleeds blue Colts’ fan, and he recently got to spend 10 one-on-one minutes with Colts’ running back Joseph Addai, where he also received a signed #29 jersey. He has also been chosen on multiple occasions to participate in Colts’ experiences.
And thanks to Riley and Sam’s Club, Tyler really got the goods: he and his family got to attend the Colts’ January 2007 trip to the Super Bowl in Miami. He still has one goal he’d like to achieve. He’d like to meet his favorite player, Marvin Harrison.
Considering all he does for others, I’d say that’s the least he should get! Tyler Genneken, you are truly an inspiration to all.
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