The annual Bop to the Top Stair Climb is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the One America Tower, 200 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis.
This event, now in its 40th year, is a third-party fundraiser for the Riley Children’s Foundation. Nearly $1 million has been raised so far for the Foundation.
Each year the event is represented by a former or current Riley patient. This year’s Riley Family is the Oppelts from Lafayette. Jayzen Oppelt and his mother, Candice, will be at Bop to the Top.
Jayzen’s story
Jayzen is a 12-year-old who loves playing basketball. This is a dream come true for Jayzen and his family. When he was a baby, he could not sit up and cried nonstop; there were concerns that he would never walk.
An MRI revealed that white matter in his brain was not fully developed. He’s undergone years of developmental, occupational, and physical therapy.
While he still faces many challenges, Candice says Jayzen is “now a high-ability student and has overcome so many challenges.” She credits the care he received at Riley Children’s Health, stating it has been instrumental. “Every doctor, every nurse, every Child Life Specialist… everyone that works there has always been absolutely amazing,” Candice said.
That care inspired Jayzen and his family to support Riley with donations and fundraisers over the years. Now, they look forward to sharing Jayzen’s story as a Riley Champion.
“He wants to help other kids … through their rough times because he knows he’s struggled,” Candice said. “And that’s going to help him, too.”
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Participants of Bop to the Top are invited to climb the 36 floors of the OneAmerica Tower. There are 780 steps in all. All ages and abilities are welcome. The climb can be made as an individual or as part of a team. There is also a Triple Step option that allows you to complete the climb three different times.
Riley Children’s Foundation is the fundraising arm of Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and the founding organization that opened Riley Hospital in 1924. Today Riley Hospital is recognized as one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation and is the only comprehensive children’s research hospital in the state of Indiana.
Tuxedo Brothers has been involved in Bop to the Top since the beginning. Tuxedo Brothers is an event management company owned and operated by brothers Don and Phil Carr. Since 1984, Tuxedo Brothers has managed more than 2,000 runs, walks and triathlons benefiting service and charitable organizations.
Don Carr, President of Tuxedo Brothers, along with his brother, says he is extremely pleased to be part of this legacy.
“I can’t tell you what it means to be a part of such a meaningful event,” Don Carr said. “To be able to help Riley Children’s Foundation work toward their mission is what it’s all about!”
A virtual option is once again being made available for participants this year. The in-person event will take place on Jan. 21, but virtual participation will take place Jan. 21 to 31.
Overall and Age-Group awards will be provided for those who want to get competitive in Bop to the Top, but it is not required. Those who simply want to take their time and climb the stairs are also encouraged to come out.
Signup now at getmeregistered.com/bop. If you would like to volunteer for the event, you can register here, as well.
Participants are encouraged to visit tuxbro.com for updates on this and all Tuxedo Brothers’ events, or email Jason Springer at Jason@TuxBro.com. You can also check out future events, including several 5Ks, half-marathons, full marathons, triathlons and more at the website.