Brother sells bands as motivation

It was another accident, though, that spurred Tyler into becoming a difference maker. He wanted to do something to help Roy.

After one of Tyler’s cousins had been in a debilitating car wreck, his aunt made bracelets saying “Believe In Brooke,” giving Tyler an idea.

He could do this, too.

This is how the “Let Roy Walk” fundraiser made letting Roy walk come closer to reality.

“I saved up money to buy 500 bracelets, and I sold them and we ended up ordering a thousand more,” Tyler said.

The silicone bands come in all colors and are similar to the fluorescent yellow “LIVESTRONG” bracelets started by Lance Armstrong’s foundation. Tyler started charging $3 per band after they initially cost $1.75 to make.

He distributed them at Concordia and at swim meets. Some swimming friends from North Central High School bought the bands and helped sell them in Indianapolis. Tyler’s brother, Cole, set up a fundraising fish fry in 2006 and convinced local businesses to help raise enough money for Roy to have experimental surgery that could possibly put Roy back on his feet. So far, the organization has raised $60,000. The Lemerts have since purchased a stationary bicycle for $15,000 that stimulates the muscles in Roy’s legs, forcing them to move.

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