Tyler was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also liked to ride snowmobiles, dirt bikes and ATVs. His friends summed up his life as "get out and ride," which perfectly fits how he lived.
 
Tyler was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma Oct. 9, 2009 at the age of 18. He had just begun his senior year. Earlier in the spring, he had an ATV accident and suffered with a sore back off and on throughout the summer. His parents didn't think anything of it because Tyler was a very active, young man. Three weeks prior to his diagnosis, the back pain started to get worse. His physician ordered an x-ray which showed a fractured vertebrae in his lower back. Thinking it was an old injury from the ATV accident, he was sent to physical therapy and provided with a back brace. Approximately three weeks after that, overnight he was unable to walk which prompted an MRI. The MRI showed metastatic cancer originating from where his last rib met his spine and extending throughout the spinal column, femurs, pelvis and around his heart. After spending a month at Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, ND, Tyler returned to his home to remain on hospice until he passed away February 14, 2010.
 
Tyler underwent both chemotherapy and radiation. However, the type of cancer he had is rare, aggressive, primarily affects young men, and is unresponsive to treatments. If the original tumor had been in a limb, which is more typical, it is possible an amputation may have provided a cure. But Tyler's originated in an area that even if known, surgery would not have helped.
 
Tyler loved his Pontiac Fiero. While still in the hospital, Tyler asked on the Pennocks Fiero Forum for help with a few parts to fix it up so he could give it to his brother. A soldier in Iraq saw this and rallied the troops at home. With donations from all over the U.S. and Canada, a group of strangers and other local supporters, with help from the local body shop Frazee Auto Body and Glass, restored Tyler’s car from top to bottom in 48 hours in November 2009. Because of the generosity the family received, Tyler’s last days on this earth were full of happiness. His family strives to pay it forward as part of their future. They host a yearly car show in their town to raise money for scholarships at the local high school. Tyler was not able to have a future on this earth, but his family’s dreams and hopes are to continue to keep his memory alive and encourage others to help their fellow man. 
 
When Tyler was diagnosed he could have been bitter, angry, and strike out at the people who loved him.  Instead he had as much dignity in death as he did in life. He continued to be grateful for each day and found a reason to smile frequently. His smile was infectious and genuine. His life inspires his mother, Daneele, strive to be a better person.
 
If Daneele could share any advice with families who’ve recently received a cancer diagnosis, she would say you’re not alone. Finding out your loved one has a terminal illness is a roller coaster every minute of every day. There is no right or wrong response. 
 
Tyler’s younger sister Cassidy, a SuperSib, recently won the title of Miss Frazee Outstanding Teen in Frazee, MN. She is using Alex's Lemonade Stand as her platform to raise money for a cure. Daneele is so pleased that she has found something that at age 15 inspires her to make a difference.
 
Quote: “Get out and ride!”
 
Information submitted by Daneele Shipman, Tyler’s Mother 
Updated August 2016