This little boy got his wings after battling cancer. Here's what his father is doing now.
Updated: Jul 21, 2023
The second annual Chrome for a Cause – an event aimed at raising money for families dealing with pediatric cancer – is taking place on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Celebration Park in Dublin.
The cause is something that event organizer Mike Pruitt holds close to his heart after losing his son Rylan to Medullomyoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer typically found in children under the age of 10.
“Rylan was diagnosed with Medullomyoblastoma when he was only five years old,” Mike told Beneath the Surface News. “It was only the 51st known case of this type of brain cancer in the U.S.”
Rylan underwent radiation and four rounds of chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where he underwent radiation and four rounds of chemotherapy.
“He fought for 10 months,” Mike said.
Rylan was six when he “gained his wings” on March 10, 2022.
Spurred into action, the family formed the Rylan Strong Network, a 501(c)(3), that raises money to help families affected by childhood cancer.
“We want to build a network across the United States to help families dealing with pediatric cancer,” Mike said. “When you have a kid with cancer your finances are heavily depleted and some families have a hard time paying for funeral expenses.
“We have paid for caskets for three other warriors who gained their wings.”
Mike, who has spent his entire career as a paramedic, said forming the foundation was his way of grieving his son.
He is also working to help pass legislation that would make it easier for families in need of emergent care to receive help.
Chrome for a Cause raises money to help the network achieve those goals.
“Rylan loved fast cars and loved, loved, loved motorcycles,” Mike said.
The Aug. 26 event will include a poker run from 1-5 p.m. ($20 entry) and car and motorcycle show from 5-8 p.m. ($20 entry).
"I’m in a motorcycle club and there has been such a big outreach from other riders who want to help. We don’t care if you drive a 1996 minivan, we just want people to show up,” Mike said.
The event will also include food vendors and live music.
Click here for more information or call 254-403-9003.
