TYLER:

Tyler is a 17 year old boy that is well known in his community and loved by all those that know him. He is a child that ALWAYS has a smile and is willing to help. He has never met a stranger, and is more than willing to give a high five, or if you are lucky a hug. He has always been supportive of his older brothers and little sister while they competed in their sporting events. He enjoys being able to assist the coach with the players. 

Tyler has a genetic condition that is known as SATB2 gene disorder. There is a simple deletion of a protein that is essential in the building blocks needed for development. This condition has caused him to have certain disabilities. Those include significant speech delay (he is nonverbal), some craniofacial abnormalities with dental abnormalities, and intellectual delay. The fact that he has these disabilities,  does not stop him from wanting to be part of a team and to compete.

 Tyler’s history started when he was 2 years of age, and we noticed some development delays. His mother and I took him to see the specialist, and had testing done. Ultimately were told there was something wrong, but they did not know what. At that time, he was given the diagnosis of Global Apraxia, global developmental delay. We started speech, physical, and occupational therapy. A couple years went past and we again went to another academic medical institution. We were seen by child development specialist and had testing done, and again were told that something was wrong but they were not sure what. At this time, we made a move across the country to TN. We decided again to see the specialist. We again went to one of the states well known academic intuitions and had testing done and again the same thing.

As you can imagine this all lead to a great deal of frustration for his mother and I. Especially, since I was in the medical field myself and unable to diagnosis or help my son. As time went on, we continued with seeking answers for him. After a few years went past, we finally decided to try one more time with seeing a specialist and repeat testing. This time there was something different. We had a answer. Tyler was given the diagnosis of SATB2. Now, there is no cure for this disorder, but finally there was something we could hang our hat on. 

​Having a diagnosis for Tyler, does give some comfort to us. We continue to include Tyler in all we do. Although he is nonverbal, he has been able to teach us more than I could ever teach him. He shows us a spirit that is pure. He shows us what it is to truly compete. He does not worry about being first, he realizes that simply being out there and doing your best is really all that matters. He is a true example to us all, and we are proud of him. We are proud to be Tyler’s Voice.

TYLER'S VOICE 2019 EVENT

In April 2019, we held our first Tyler’s Voice event. We had a great turn out and were able to spotlight Tyler. This event was a great community event and it could not have turned out any better. We realized that this was something that was important to us, and to Tyler and to the communities. This led to the formation of Tyler’s Voice INC. Our goal is to continue to provide community events that will highlight friendly competition and bring inclusiveness of those with special needs. We are hoping to be able to raise funds that will support local organizations for individuals with special needs, and foundations that also support them. 

We are asking for help to make this a reality. We want to be able to have annual events to showcase and support our stated goals. We would greatly appreciate any financial support you or your business can offer.