Tyler Trent Foundation raises $360K for cancer research

Fourth annual “Tee off For Tyler” event set for Monday, June 10 in Noblesville

The REPORTER

The Tyler Trent Foundation recently announced that supporters have helped the organization raise more than $360,000 since it was established in 2019, which has led to researchers across the country receiving more grant funding for pediatric cancer research.

Tyler Trent was a Purdue University student who died on Jan. 1, 2019, after fighting an aggressive form of bone cancer known as osteosarcoma.

The Tyler Trent Foundation – led by his parents, Tony and Kelly – is looking to raise even more money during the fourth annual “Tee off for Tyler” charity golf outing on Monday, June 10. The Opening Ceremony is set for 10:30 a.m., and the shotgun start is at 11 a.m.

This year’s event will be held at a new location, the Sagamore Club, 10900 Golden Bear Way, Noblesville. While the outing has already sold out for golfers, there are still ways for the community to get involved. People can bid on items in a silent auction, with VIP sports experiences, autographed sports gear and more up for grabs. Some of those items include memorabilia connected with the 2024 National Championship runner-up Purdue University basketball team.

“A lot of people remember Tyler as a football fan, but what they may not know is that his first love was basketball,” Kelly Trent said. “Tyler’s passion for Purdue sports really started when he wrote articles about the basketball team for the Purdue Exponent, so he would be delighted to know how well they did in this year’s tournament.”

During his life, Tyler donated several of his tumors for cancer research. Those donations – as well as the monetary donations provided by the Tyler Trent Foundation – have led to even more opportunities for researchers in the field.

“We recently received two new awards through the rare cancers program at the Department of Defense, which were based in part on screening data conducted with Tyler’s tumor cells,” said Karen Pollok, PhD, IU School of Medicine researcher and one of Tyler’s doctors. “We are humbled to be able to conduct this work and appreciate the Trent family’s continued support. It is making a difference.”

This year’s event will feature a helicopter ball drop, as well as opening remarks from Kelly and Tony Trent. Former Vice President Mike Pence will also be in attendance to share some thoughts about Tyler and to offer the opening prayer.

Other special guests at this year’s golf outing include:

• Tony and Kelly Trent, Tyler’s parents (speaking during opening ceremony)
• Ethan Trent, Tyler’s brother and Purdue University Football OL (golfing)
• Chris Ballard, Indianapolis Colts General Manager
• Ethan Fernea, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver (golfing)
• Ryan Walters, Purdue University Football Head Coach (golfing)
• Hudson Card, Purdue University Football quarterback
• Gus Hartwig, Purdue University Football OL (golfing)
• Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue University Basketball forward

The Tyler Trent Foundation supports local and national organizations targeting pediatric cancer research, including Riley Hospital for Children, Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, and OS Therapies. This year’s title sponsor is Elevance Health. President and CEO Gail Boudreaux’s son played basketball at Purdue when Tyler was there, which is one reason this cause is close to her heart.

“Making an impact for individuals and communities, in our home state of Indiana and beyond, begins with our purpose to improve the health of humanity,” Boudreaux said. “Elevance Health is honored to again support the Tyler Trent Foundation golf outing, continuing Tyler’s legacy and mission to support pediatric cancer research as well as improve lives of others who face a similar battle.”

Other key sponsors for this year’s event include Lucas Oil, Republic Airways, Wood Mizer, Trueblood Real Estate, Ryan Fire Protection, and the Purdue Institute for Cancer.

About The Tyler Trent Foundation
Tyler Trent is a legendary Purdue fan with a story of courage and hope that inspired and captivated a nation throughout his battle with the rare bone cancer osteosarcoma. Relentless in his battle and driven by his fandom for the Boilermakers, Tyler managed to attend classes and games, and never allowed cancer to prevent him from living out his dreams in sports journalism and serving others.

Tyler was committed to sharing his story to raise money to eradicate the disease and improve the lives of others who face a similar battle. He rose to national recognition and used his platform to encourage fans to donate to cancer research – raising more than $3 million for The Tyler Trent Cancer Research Endowment at Purdue University, Riley Children’s Hospital, and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

Established in 2019, The Tyler Trent Foundation is dedicated to continuing Tyler’s mission to support cancer research and honoring his memory by improving the lives of others who are challenged by the same disease. Learn more about the Tyler Trent Foundation here.