Tyler Powderly

We have amazing news about Tyler’s mobility progression! He has begun to walk independently (without his gait trainer) for longer and longer distances! In one therapy session, he walked a HALF MILE! He also completed the Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile, in the POURING rain I might add! He walked the first half mile alongside his music therapist and then the last 200 yards to cross the finish line on his own!

He has been making amazing progress increasing his endurance and strength! His physical therapist and I were brainstorming on next steps to continue to increase his balance to allow him more and more independence since his reconstructive surgery for his lower extremities in May 2021. This surgery, in the best non-medical terms I can translate he got his femurs shortened, relocated his patella’s, got screws to realign his tibia and ankles and this was done to BOTH legs.
The solution we came up with based on his current needs and skills is to obtain a mobility trained service dog! If you know Tyler at all, he LOVES dogs! He’s been the driving force in adopting 2 senior dogs, George and now Nana.

We are working with Project C.H.A.N.C.E for the mobility service dog. Their program has been in operation for many years and have bred and will train Tyler’s service dog. We were lucky to be a part of this litter that was born in March! Waiting lists for service dogs can be YEARS long. Tyler has named the puppy Mickey (after his favorite Mouse!)

Mickey’s training will begin when he is approximately 5-6 months old and it will be about a year process. In the mean time we practice with Theo, another mobility service dog with Project C.H.A.N.C.E.

We are asking for any support with the funding of this endeavor. Normally service dogs can cost upwards of $25,000 and NONE of that is covered by insurance. Thankfully, Project C.H.A.N.C.E is a 501c3 and are able to partly cover boarding and training from their donors. This still leave us with a $14,000 balance to cover.

We are working on securing grants and paying out of pocket currently, but I’m humbly asking for donations to help defer the costs.

We truly, truly appreciate the support and love from the bike drive, and hope you can help again.

Lots of Love,
Tyler and Caitlin Powderly

Tyler’s History: Tyler came to me from foster care at age 13 and was adopted in August of 2019. He went through YEARS of neglect both in foster care and before that with his biological family. When I first met Tyler he was in a stroller and would only crawl on his knees. I made it my priority to get him the therapy and care that he deserves and frankly is entitled to! In the first year that he was with me, he moved to a wheelchair, then a walker and finally being able to ambulate on his own within the house and short distances. This recent surgery will be beneficial in his ability to walk with more stability although it will be a long road to recovery.

Tyler has a diagnosis of CTNNB1, which is a rare genetic disorder. It replicates cerebral palsy and autism. He is non-verbal but communicates with a device and signs and one of the brightest and most determined young men you will meet! He loves to read, play music, and his laugh is infections!

Thank you for your support!