Photo by Nick Scalera
Glen Gardner, NJ (Feb. 18, 2020)—Chronic health issues are tough for adults, but they’re especially hard on children. Five years ago, a local teen decided he wanted to help. Tyler Cashman, of Tewksbury, created “Points for Pain,” which asks sports fans to pledge donations for children with chronic pain based on the number of points their team scores.
Over the years, Tyler—now 17—has raised more than $110,000. His next game is this Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7 pm at Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner, NJ. While the focus of Points for Pain is fundraising, it’s also a great chance to raise awareness about pediatric pain. At the beginning of each game, Tyler explains the challenges these children faces and why support is so important.
All proceeds from Points for Pain benefit the Pediatric Pain Warrior Program. Part of the U.S. Pain Foundation, this program is dedicated to helping kids with pain and their loved ones feel understood, supported, and empowered. It does this by offering weekend retreats, educational resources, a magazine highlighting pediatric patient stories, a pen pal program, and more.
“The Pediatric Pain Warrior Program has grown exponentially in the last two years, thanks in huge part to Tyler’s hard work,” says Nicole Hemmenway, interim CEO. “Last year, 327 kids with health issues and their family members attended weekend retreats. These events mean the world to families who are struggling to cope with life-altering diagnoses.”
You can watch a video about the last retreat here: https://youtu.be/87qnw-9yjpM.
For his efforts, Tyler has been honored by the New York Yankees and the New Jersey state government.
While Tyler began the program to help others, he is no stranger to adversity. He lives with a condition that is causing him to gradually lose his vision. But even his own personal challenges can’t get in the way of his dedication to helping others through Points for Pain.
To learn more or donate, visit https://pediatricpainwarrior.org/pointsforpain/. Thursday’s game will also be livestreamed, and can be watched here.