Team Tyler

Tyler Rodden was the kind of person who made the world brighter simply by being in it. Gentle, humble, and deeply caring, Tyler had a quiet strength that lifted those around him. His kindness wasn’t performative—it was who he was at his core. 

Your support fuels the work of the Tough Together Foundation. Every donation made in Tyler’s honor helps advance research, expand access to treatment, and bring new hope to families across the country, while offering them the support they need to weather their storm.

Tyler wanted us to raise funds specifically to find a cure for DMG. He had said "I do not want other kids to have to go through this" when he woke up from his brain biopsy, he was only worried that there was enough tissue for science. Science truly was his higher power and always his guiding light.

Tyler loved carbohydrates, he used to say "I am a Carb-a-Tarian". He and I baked for his teachers, neighbors, fundraisers that he did to help save medical dogs, and of course his own consumption.

We are learning to live without Tyler, personally I missed the traditions we had together. Tyler's sister Olivia gave me a sourdough starter, "Doughie Parton", in December (2025). I started to learn to bake sourdough bread, which was a feat for me. I made two good loaves then five major flops. So I dialed it in and started producing quality loaves. Now I have made it so I can make enough bread twice a week to fulfill orders. I never intend to sell Doughie for a profit, but for what Tyler would want me to do. Spread kindness, fill it with love, and help find a cure. So every loaf of bread sold with help with all of things.

I am a firm believer that if we all do what we can, we can make a difference. I hope to raise $17,000 in honor of his upcoming 17th Heavenly Birthday.

Donations made to Tough2gether Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. While funds raised in connection with this family will directly support them, all donations are made to Tough2gether Foundation and may also be used to support other families facing pediatric cancer, related programs, and charitable initiatives at the Foundation’s discretion.