College Tuition Help for Tyler Tortora

Tyler Tortora (age 18) is a senior in high school. Tyler has been battling life-threatening ulcerative colitis for the last three years. Battling is all this family knows how to do because this is only the most recent challenge for the Tortora’s. This fundraiser is to raise some of the money needed to pay for Tyler’s college tuition.

 

In 2016 when Tyler was age 12, their family lost their mother and wife, Michelle Tortora after a courageous battle with brain cancer. In 2019, Tyler was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Since that time, he has had 6 major surgeries, 7 hospitalizations and multiple ER visits. His last surgery in March 2022 was to reconnect his digestive system so it could function on its own without a large intestine. Just when they thought this would be the last surgery, unfortunately, due to complications, Tyler required emergency surgery one day later in which the original surgical repairs had to be reversed. This was a tough blow. He is recovering again and can hopefully have corrective surgery once again by Summer 2022.

 

Tyler is not just an athlete; he is an elite athlete. He was Captain of his high school football team, was a nationally ranked running back and was going to be a full scholarship college football athlete when he became ill. Not only did Tyler lose his mother, but he also lost his football career, 2 years of high school and all the experiences a high schooler should have. However, most financially devastating, Tyler lost his full scholarships to college. All the while, Tyler powered through the fight with no complaints and maintained excellent grades as he continued high school from home. The financial reality of these multiple devasting setbacks has exhausted his family’s ability to pay for college. He deserves this chance more than anyone I know.

 

Tyler is a fighter, but he needs our help right now. I know this won’t be easy and it will take a village. Our goal is large and we can do this. It’s for Tyler.

 

I hope you can assist them in their continued battle. Thank you.