‘Riding for Tyler’: Community fundraise and raise awareness about FOP
MONETA, Va. (WFXR) — On Saturday, April 6, a group of people gathered in Moneta to “Ride for Tyler,” a local teen diagnosed with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, also known as FOP.
“He is not FOP, he is the funniest very intelligent boy who loves legos, loves Marvel movies, loves wrestling and the wrestlers,” said Tyler’s mom, Kim Hanf.
Tyler Hanf is 15 years old. At the age of 12, he was diagnosed with the rare and often missed condition that affects connective tissue. After his diagnosis, his parents thought of ways to raise awareness and raise money.
“It all started out that I was just going to go on a trail ride with my horse and I was going to ride for Tyler and that’s how it all started,” his mother said.
Saturday was the fourth “Riding for Tyler” event, his parents hosted a day of fun and fundraising for the community with face painting, magic shows, and pieing. The day before, he was able to spend time with his favorite wrestlers.
“It’s hard to be a parent of something that’s incurable,” said Michael Hanf, Tyler’s dad. “To give him that night to go and have his fun, it meant a lot. For us, having the event is what we do. Not to cure but help other kids who have fop who may not be diagnosed yet.”
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Tyler’s parents told WFXR that family and friends from all over, plus his favorite wrestlers gathered on Saturday at Hot Shots to support him and raise awareness.
“They have some medical expenses that they need to take care of, so anything we can help to do that in the community is why I’m here,” said John Hendery, a Lynchburg resident.
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Tyler says the support from both his family and his community is appreciated.
“It feels good that everyone is here to support me, I just want everyone to have fun,” Tyler said. “I’m lucky to have such supported parents and not many kids have that.”
And his parents couldn’t be more grateful as well.
“It is so humbling that everyone loves Tyler and they support him and support what we’re going through,” said Tyler’s mom. “Also, the messages we’ve received from people we don’t know or barely know that tell us that they’re always thinking of us… It’s so nice to know that we have more people than we can even imagine out there and wishing the best for us”
April 23 is National FOP Awareness Day. Tyler’s parents hope to continue the tradition of “Riding for Tyler” every year in April. For ways to donate or more information on Tyler’s condition, you can visit the information page, here.
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