Tyler Trent Cancer Research Endowment
STATEMENT FROM PURDUE UNIVERSITY
"The world lost a great Boilermaker in Tyler Trent. Anyone who spent time with him or heard his story in one of the countless national media accounts knows he was a remarkable young man - someone whose record of accomplishment was far longer than most people can accrue in many decades of life.
"We mourn with Tyler's family and the entire Purdue community, and invite all to attend a candlelight memorial on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m. ET outside Hovde Hall to honor Tyler's life and the lives of all those who are battling cancer and those who are working to find a cure."
View a message from president Mitch Daniels honoring Tyler's life and legacy here.
STATEMENT FROM PURDUE ATHLETICS
"First and foremost, we offer our condolences to Tyler's family and friends. While there are no words to ease the hurt at times like this, we hope some comfort can be found in knowing what an inspiration Tyler is to our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans. The entire Purdue Athletics family has been touched by his courageous battle, positive spirit and unwavering faith. Tyler was the embodiment of a true Boilermaker who will live on in each of us. We will forever be #TylerStrong."
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - We all knew this day was coming. But that doesn't make it any easier. Tyler Trent died Tuesday at the age of 20. But Tyler lives on with us because of the lives he touched and the message he carried: Give thanks, pray continually and accept God's will for you.
Tyler Trent became the face of Purdue over the past year, a university treasure who ultimately became a national voice in his fight against cancer. Ask anyone who crossed paths with Tyler, and they will tell you they came away inspired.
Inspired by his smile.
Inspired by his spirit.
Inspired by his desire to make a difference.
And most of all: Inspired by his will to live.
We all saw the brave face Tyler projected while staring down the insidious cancer when it first was diagnosed in 2014. And we all were moved by this young bespectacled man with the cherubic smile and circular face who spoke mightily with a soft voice.
When we first met Tyler, he was hobbling around campus with a crutch under an arm, camping out for football tickets. At the end, he was confined to a wheelchair. But he always was unstoppable in his message of hope, sometimes told through tears.
Tyler wasn't going to let cancer exhaust his zest for life. Yes, he eventually succumbed, but not before he was able to claim victory in raising awareness about cancer while also spearheading campaigns to raise money to fight a disease that touches every family.
Tyler belonged to the world. He became a star from coast-to-coast as he shared his story. He was one of us, part of the Purdue family ... forever. We liked to call him one of ours.
Tyler knew his time left on Earth was limited. Very limited. And he squeezed all he could out of it. He enjoyed many shining moments during his brief but brilliant time in the spotlight, not wanting to waste a moment of time or opportunity to make the world a better place.
There was the time he served as honorary captain at the season-opening football game against Northwestern. There was the time he received the Patrick Mackey Courage Award at the National Football Foundation dinner. There was the time he was presented with his Associate of Science degree. There was the time he earned the Purdue Alumni Association Purdue Alumni Impact Award.
There was the time he sat on the bench for a volleyball game and helped coach the team. There was the time he went to Indiana to serve as honorary captain and help inspire the team to another Old Oaken Bucket win. There was the time a scholarship was set up in his honor to help students who have overcome adversity.
There was the time he appeared on ESPN SportsCenter as well as an inspiring trip to the college football awards ceremony in Atlanta, where he received the 2018 Disney Spirit Award. There also was the time Clemson coach Dabo Swinney reached out with a kind note, and when the vice president of the United States called.
His seminal moment was the October night at Ross-Ade Stadium, when Tyler Trent made the journey from his Carmel, Indiana, home to watch his beloved Boilermakers take down No. 2 Ohio State 49-20 in one of the most epic games in Purdue history. No doubt, this win was sprinkled with some Tyler Trent magic.
And on and on it went for Tyler. The world embraced Tyler Trent. And he embraced us with his message of kindness and faith that was symbolized on the yellow rubber wristbands he gave to anyone who asked. One side of the bands was stamped: "TYLER STRONG." The other read: "1 THESS. 5:16-18," the Biblical message Tyler wanted to share with the world. The meaning: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Tyler Trent waged war against osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer that ate away at him. He never flinched. And most amazingly: He never felt sorry for himself. His heart was filled with gratitude. And he challenged people to likewise fill their hearts with gratitude.
Be grateful for your family, your friends, your job, your house ... your health. Because, a grateful heart is a humble heart. And a humble heart is a helping heart. That's why we all are here ... to help others. We aren't here to accumulate wealth, status or prestige. It is a lesson we never hear enough.
Thank you, Tyler. We will miss you. And we always will love you.