Tyler Spino

Tyler Lee Spino is a 26-year-old young man who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, bilateral schizencephaly and blepharospasm at 18 months of age. Against all odds, Tyler is now an honors college student, not allowing his disability to alter his path. With the use of a wheelchair and an iPad, Tyler is unstoppable – except for one major challenge – we need a new specialized van.

Tyler is a model student and an inspiration to so many others who face daily struggles. He graduated in 2011 from Pennsville Memorial High School, having been a dedicated drummer in the marching band, and involved with student government. In 2013, Tyler received the Andrew J. Murphy award from the state of New Jersey, a high honor given to him for his tremendous spirit and determination.

Tyler graduated from Salem Community College in 2013 with an Associate Degree with honors in Business Administration and a meme Phi Theta Keppa Honor Society. Tyler is now at Wilmington University and majoring in Accounting and minoring in Finance and Art. He will be graduating in May of 2016 with honors. He belongs to Omega Pi (an honor society for disabled individual with high GPA who also set an example of courage and leadership.) He was also inducted into the highest business honor society as one of a very few select students who meet the strict criteria in the business field.

As Tyler’s graduation is just six months away, we are realizing that in order for him to obtain a job and contribute to society, he will need reliable transportation. Our current van is from 2002, has over 200,000 miles on it, and is literally falling apart. A new or used specially modified van would need to be outfitted with a motorized lift in order to accommodate Tyler’s wheelchair. Unfortunately, it will cost a minimum of $40,000 and we simply can’t afford that on our own.

We have chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

We look forward to working together to make this happen so Tyler can move forward with his lifelong goals of making memories and miracles and inspiring others to do the same. No gift is too small and any gift will be gratefully appreciated.