Tyler was and continues to be an inspiration to his family, friends, classmates, team-mates and all who were blessed to have known him. The below links are just some of the things that help us look back and reflect… to reflect on who Tyler was, is and continues to be. Even in death Tyler continues to influence positive change through the way he lived in genuine love, compassion and unparalleled determination! It’s because of Tyler that we accept the challenge he created, the goals he set and the wish he dreamed to fulfill! These are just some of the many reasons why he is Our “Amazing” Tyler…
Link #1: Since June 2006 Tyler fought brain cancer for nearly three years until he was in remission. That was a frightening and difficult time for us. We were rather quiet about Tyler’s condition and for the most part only shared our situation with family and close friends. In many ways we withdrew from the world. In late March 2009 Tyler’s cancer returned. This time was different, there were no more options; Tyler was going to die! In many ways we all died at that very moment! With an estimated six months to live I knew we needed a miracle; we needed God, we needed the strength of prayer! Starting on April 1st, 2009 I created a Caring Bridge journal and posted my pleas, thoughts and emotions. My heart opened and its contents spilled onto the keyboard. This is where those journal entries can be found: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerdemarco
Link #2: This is a music video created shortly after Tyler’s death by the band “BurnAway”. Tyler was in the 7th grade at Draper Middle School. BurnAway, a band consisting of several talented 6th grade Draper students, composed and performed this song for a special school assembly and dedicated it in Tyler’s honor and memory. The song “Tyler’s Song” (Keep Holding On) is an incredible and beautiful tribute. Tyler’s Song/Written then by 6th grader, Patrick Sharrow & Performed by – BurnAway; Video Montage – Mr. Blaise (Art Teacher): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNBCsWjogRY
Link #3: Young musician, Patrick Sharrow keeps very involved with the Tyler DeMarco Foundation. This year (2013) Patrick decided to re-record “Tyler’s Song” (Keep Holding On) to create an updated high quality acoustic version. “Tyler’s Song” continues to touch our heart the very same way it did when created in 2010. We proudly claim “Tyler’s Song” as the official song of the Tyler DeMarco Foundation: https://soundcloud.com/patricksharrow/keep-holding-on-tylers-song
Link #4: Tyler’s funeral service (Audio – Pastor Ron, Pastor Willie, Coach Tony, Neighbor & Friend Maria, Teacher Kevin, Classmate Zachary & Special Tribute by Ryan DeMarco, Tyler’s devoted and loving big brother: http://laboomonline.com/tyler/tyler.htm
Link #5: This music slide show was created in tribute to Our “Amazing” Tyler and debuted at his funeral. The first song “Home” by Daughtry, was selected because of something Tyler did the day before he died. To our surprise and while in his hospice bed, Tyler started to sing this song out loud. In a weak and declining condition, but seemingly happy and content, Tyler, without inhibitions sang the lyrics to this song… “I’m Going Home”. It was as if he was telling us “the plan”. I recall the looks each of us gave one another when this happened… if this was “the plan” our faces clearly showed that we were not ready, unwilling and unprepared to accept it! The other two songs in this video need no explanation: http://vimeo.com/989247
Link #6: Tyler’s Obituary: http://peacefulremembrance.com/obitview232?obituary=ob-107514
Link #7: Nomis Funeral Home and Cemetery News Publication; about the Tyler DeMarco Foundation (10/2010): http://www.nomispublications.com/pdf/onlineNews/10-2010-SectionA.pdf
Link #8: Times Union Newspaper “A boy who never stopped loving a hard life” (Jennifer Gish): http://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/A-boy-who-never-stopped-loving-a-hard-life-621446.php
Link #9: The Spotlight Newspaper – Our 1st “FORE HOPE” Golf Tournament: http://www.piratecny.com/BACKISSUES/2011/PDF%2022/22%20SCHENECTADY%2011.pdf
Link #10: YNN Newscast – Tyler #7; Jersey Retired Forever From Rotterdam Little League: http://capitalregion.ynn.com/content/503584/little-league-honors-teammate-with-retiring-his-jersey/
Link #11: YNN News Stories (two) Covering Our 1st Annual “FORE HOPE Golf Tournament:
A. http://mohawkvalley.ynn.com/content/top_stories/547480/fighting–fore-hope-/?ap=1&MP4
B. http://mohawkvalley.ynn.com/content/547458/-fore-hope–golf-tournament-to-be-held/
Link #12: Times Union Newspaper 9-10 NYS Little League Champions honoring Tyler (Joyce Bassett): http://blog.timesunion.com/youthsports/category/news-coverage/
Link #13: Times Union Newspaper 9-10 NYS Little League Champions dedicated to Tyler (Paul Nelson): http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Rotterdam-Little-Leaguers-are-state-champs-550883.php
Link #14: Schenectady County Legislature (Resolution #122-09) honoring 9-10 year old Rotterdam Little League State Champions and Tyler DeMarco: http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS327&q=schencady+county+legislature+tyler+demarco&aq=f&oq=
Link #15: Times Union Newspaper; Student Tribute to Tyler (Jennifer Korszun/Mohonasen HS): http://blog.timesunion.com/highschool/a-tribute-to-tyler-demarco-a-true-fighter/8670/