The "Welcome Home Tyler Ryan" event

On January 5, 2012, I was honored to be a guest at the "Welcome Home Tyler Ryan" event. It was hosted by Jay's Valet, Tyler's employer, in one of the suites at Remington Park in OKC. It was a surprise for Tyler, who suffered a tragic accident last November. He stopped to help a stranded couple change a tire, and his good works changed his life forever. As Tyler pulled a spare tire out of the trunk, an inattentive driver slammed into him. It crushed his lower body and pinned him between the two cars. Tyler underwent numerous surgeries which will forever transform his life. His lower body was so badly damaged, that it resulted in an above the knee amputation of his left leg; surgery to repair his right leg took rods in all major bones, and he also went through back surgery.

I met Tyler briefly a few years ago when taking promo photos for Jay's Valet. I remember him as being kind and a hard worker. Since the accident, Tyler has started a "movement" called Keep Moving Forward (www.keep-moving-forward.com). It is to inspire people that no matter what befalls you...to keep moving forward. They have bracelets and t-shirts that can be purchased with that logo to support his cause. Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Denver Bronchos (my absolute fav NFL team), has been seen and photographed wearing the bracelets.

So back to the surprise event...it was fabulous! Tyler was shocked, and he sported nothing but smiles the entire evening. Of course, I brought my camera to snap pics of everything for Jay and Tyler. The country singer, Vince Gill, called during the event and spoke at length with Tyler. There was a wonderful dinner buffet of food, a cash bar, raffles, and more. It was nothing short of awesome to see such love and support! Here are a few pics from the event:

Tyler coming in to the surprise dinner.

Guests at the event.

Tyler's tattoo and several bracelets with his logo "Keep Moving Forward".

Tyler being presented a check for $22,500 that was raised for the Keep Moving Forward cause.

Tyler on speakerphone with country artist, Vince Gill. The owner of Jay's Valet, Jay Mills, is holding the phone.

  

Tyler expressing his thanks and appreciation to everyone.

For more information, please visit the following links:

Keep Moving Forward - www.keep-moving-forward.com

Jay's Valet - www.jaysvalet.com

Remington Park - www.remingtonpark.com

Oyyy!

Ok, it's been over a month since my last post. So obviously once again, I am behind on my blogging duties. But that is just a given for me, especially at this point! It is now almost 1:00am. I have to stay awake until 1:30am, which is when I can start getting ready for a 3am homecoming ceremony at Ft Sill. (Yes, I am that dedicated to our military families!) So none-the-less, I am sitting in a hotel room...alone...in the middle of the night...trying to stay awake to provide a free homecoming session for an OpLove client. I'm trying to stay busy because if I fall asleep, even the loud wake-up call via the hotel won't wake me. I did 10 sessions today, all before 4pm, so I am dragging butt!

Last Sunday, I hosted an Oklahoma OpLove Photographers Meet & Greet Party. It was at the Bob Hope Pavilion at Stars & Stripes Park on Lake Hefner. We didn't have many photogs show up, but I was grateful for those who were able to come! I was able to meet a few new photogs, which is always great. I also got to see a fellow OpLove photog, who is also one of my clients. She gave me updates on her hubby's deployment status, which I always appreciate! It is such an honor to work with so many dedicated people...I am truly grateful for each of them!

I have attached a few pics from our Meet & Greet party!

The Goodie Bags for each of my OK photogs.

Our Grill Master Mike, and helper Peyton (aka Bubba).