First, I want everyone to know that the family involved has no idea I am posting this and I really don't want this to sound like an attempt to get onto anyone, I assure you, I am not.

I have a concern though, we often talk about, "The Wrestling Family,” you will even find posts on here where I have used that phrase. I still believe that is what we are, a family. Truth be told, it has come to my attention that one family this holiday season really needs help. They are going through and experiencing a holiday that no parent should experience. Their 8 year old son has cancer and is in need of a miracle.

Most of you have read about the information regarding Tyler Graebner, if you haven't go take a look at that thread. Read the article and then put yourself in the position of this family. Again, this is a challenge to "The Wrestling Family", consider doing something of real value this Christmas season, consider helping this family out.

Here is the truth; I know because my own family experienced it this summer, no one has enough insurance to cover all of the costs associated with cancer. This family is no different. On top of that, the father has issues with his employer, he is out of vacation days and little is available to help. To date, there have been numerous requests to help with the expenses, yet, as of today, it is my understanding that the fund to help care for Tyler has less than $1,000 in it. Families don’t let each other go through that kind of difficulty.

I again, encourage tournaments to promote helping financially at tournaments to help support Tyler’s needs. This battle will be long, and difficult, again this is an 8 year old child, no different than our own children except for the grace of God. Send donations for the families medical expense to the Tyler Graebner fund in care of Peoples Bank and Trust at 1020 North Main in Hutchinson, 67501 This challenge goes out not only to individuals, and tournaments it also goes out to clubs and schools.

In closing, I really appreciate Eric Akin, I spoke to him about helping out with some things and plans are in the process in the Kansas City area and Wichita Kansas area for Tyler. I won't mention any names at this point because the details haven't been worked out yet, but I assure you, there are those that have excelled in the field of wrestling that know and understand the battle that Tyler is going through. I have yet had the honor of meeting Tyler, I hope I get that honor, but even more importantly I would hate to think that I could help make a little bit of a difference and didn't do it. The last thing I would want, or I believe any of us would want, is to render only lip service, when so much more is needed.

Link to the other thread for more information:
http://www.usawks.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=002566

Link to the newspaper http://www.hutchinsonscountrystation.com/skin/blurb.php?sectionId=129&contentId=48199

Mike

I'll see what I can raise at the Bobcat Classic.

Way to go Coach, so far Eric Akin, Zac Roberson, The University of Oklahoma, Iowa State University and others are on board. God bless you all and God Bless Tyler.

Mike...I might be able to get not only the wrestling team at UCO but a few of the other teams involved some way to help raise money for this young man.

I also have some tie-ins with Butler so I'll see what I can do if I get some free time.

By the way when is the next time you will be heading out that way?

I think we also need to keep Aaron in our thoughts and efforts--- even though he doesnt talk much about his ordeal, it is not done and his struggles continue as well.

Hey Aaron, I am actually going to be taking Nathan to some practices with Eric Akin on Wednesdays starting in a couple of weeks. Right now it looks like week after next for sure. We definitely need to get together some more. Thanks for what you are willing to do to help out.

Mike: You are exactly right, I will tell you right off the bat, Aaron has been one of the very first ones offering help, prayers and assistance for Tyler. While some offer lip service people like yourself and Aaron are walking the talk.

I've been overdoing it lately too...got yelled at by my doctor, because I'm making myself really worn out and tired. Almost fell over today, stubborn wrestler for ya!

I'll talk to our coach down in piper we might be able to set up a donation cup up at are tournaments.

i'll see if i can set up some donation cups around my town to help with the funds for tyler

Sweazy, your mom knows my mom. Cool.

yea I know...same work different buildings

Updates regarding Tyler and activities to benefit Tyler and others. We are currently planning to have a clinic for Tyler on Thursday March 4. Details will be coming soon regarding the clinic. We are looking for clinicians and individuals to participate during this clinic to be hosted by Buhler's Team Lightning in Buhler Kansas. This is the Thursday before the Wichita Park City Classic so we will be able to get a number of in state and out of state wrestlers to participate. If I am not mistaken, we will also be able to have high school wrestlers participate in this clinic in that it is after the High School season.

As in the other two clinics hosted, at Paola and Derby, we are looking for qualified clinicians and we have had NCAA D1 National Champions as well as National and World Champions at each of the clinics from various levels.

We are also planning to host a 3-5 day, day camp this summer. I already have commitments from several United States Olympians and others. I won't mention names yet, but confirmation has been received from several world class wrestlers. There are one of two options for this regarding a host site. Either a local college who would allow us to use their facilities, or a school that would allow the use of facilities, and then families to help host campers who are coming from out of town. I will say this, at this point regarding the clinicians who have committed, it is likely that no camp in America will have the name recognition at their camp as we will have for the camp for Tyler. It may very well be the top camp in America this summer. The primary objective for this effort is to secure a date, and location for as little money as possible. We are also looking at using 100% of the funds for this camp to help with Tyler's medical expenses but also to designate some towards other worthy charities and causes. At present, the other individual we would like to help with some of the proceeds for medical expenses is Aaron Sweazy, another Kansan fighting his own battle with cancer. The cost of the camp will be kept low to insure the opportunity for as many wrestlers as possible to participate.

Be on the lookout for more information and remember that now is the time to start volunteering for the clinic, camp, hosting wrestlers or clinicians and securing a location. I am also open to looking at possible dates and hearing recommendations on that, as well as other wrestlers who could possibly benefit from some of the revenues brought in from the summer camp. We don't want to conflict with any of the dates for teams involved in summer wrestling.

Last couple of notes, our goal is to give 100% of the proceeds from the clinic to Tyler. 100% of the proceeds from the summer camp will be designated to Tyler and other qualified wrestlers in need of ongoing financial support for injuries or illness not covered by insurance. Applications and recommendations for those individuals are currently being accepted. We are also asking that host families of clinicians, where needed, will cover the cost of food for the clinicians while they are in town. If there are any contacts in the lodging or food industry who could help with this it would be greatly appreciated. Again, our goal is to use 100% of all monies coming in to go to those in need.

Last note as well, we have received a number of items that will be made available during an on line auction for Tyler. We are still receiving items and will plan on listing them and making them available for auction in the near future The current plan is to hold the auction during the week of the Kansas State Kids Tournament. There are also a number of individuals who have stated of their willingness to help out by helping with the clinics or camp, as well as sending items in for auction. If possible please send those items in as soon as possible as well as send in the dates of your availability to help out.

For more information or to volunteer to help with any of these areas please call me at 841-5814 or email me at mike@furches.org with Tyler in the subject line of your email.