The family of Tyler Robinson, together with the band Imagine Dragons, created the Tyler Robinson Foundation to help families struggling with the financial toll of pediatric cancer.
At 16-years-old, Tyler was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Despite an intense regimen of chemotherapy and radiation, Tyler was absolutely determined to enjoy life and remain upbeat. In his words, “I’ve learned to be patient and no matter how bad I felt, I pushed through the pain. I found that there is no use complaining or feeling sorry for myself – it doesn’t help anything. Always try to stay positive and have faith.”
Tyler loved music, which was the catalyst for his relationship with the band Imagine Dragons. One of his favorite lyrics during the time he was battling cancer comes from the song “It’s Time,” which says ‘The road to heaven runs through miles of clouded hell.’ When the band heard about this, they dedicated the song to him at a show – the beginning of a long friendship. Upon his passing at age 17, the band and Tyler’s family came together to form the Tyler Robinson Foundation (www.trf.org). The mission of the foundation is to help families face the financial challenges of pediatric cancer which include child care, rent, utility bills and travel expenses.
Knowing that half of all families report considerable to severe household debt as a result of a child’s cancer care, the Tyler Robinson Foundation will continue to honor the life of a truly courageous young man as it helps families remain strong during this difficult and draining time.
