Our Rotary Club was contacted by No Limits Perth to see if we could help fulfill Tyler's last wish after he had been turned down by many charities and community organisations. Tyler, a young man of 25years, has a life-limiting illness and his last wish was to visit Melbourne with his mother, brother and his carer. His carer was only available in a limited window so we had very little time to raise the funds to help him.
Rotary Osborne Park received the following request from a Senior Social Worker with Silver Chain’s Community Specialist Palliative Care Service in WA. “I am seeking your support for Tyler Howard, a young person (25y) living with a rare life-limiting condition, Loey’s-Dietz Syndrome.”
She contacted more than 20 Foundations such as Make-a-Difference, Dreams2Live4 and many others however because Tyler does not have cancer and is over age of 18. She was not successful.
Tyler was diagnosed at just 13 years of age and has spent much of his adolescence in and out of hospital, navigating complex medical care and significant physical limitations. Now in early adulthood, his condition remains progressive and unpredictable, with increasing impact on his quality of life.
The social worker said Tyler is a thoughtful and creative young man. Recently, he shared a deeply meaningful aspiration—to travel to Melbourne, a place strongly connected to his passion for streetwear and youth culture. When speaking about this, there was a noticeable lift in his mood, highlighting the profound therapeutic value this experience could provide amidst ongoing fatigue and psychological distress.
Sliver Chain requested approximately $10,000 (anything you can help towards this goal will be greatly appreciated) to support with travel expenses for Tyler, his mother (primary support), his brother and his NDIS support worker to enable safe travel. This is a time-sensitive, one-off request, as Tyler’s condition limits his ability to plan for the future and may soon prevent him from undertaking this experience. Tyler needs to travel on dates 15/07/2026 to 19/07/2026 because that is the time they can get another person to look after Tyler’s stepfather whilst Tyler’s mother travels with him.
Tyler’s family is managing significant financial strain alongside multiple care needs, including a sibling with autism and a stepfather with multiple sclerosis. While NDIS funding supports care hours, it does not cover travel costs, and no suitable alternative funding options have been identified.
This opportunity represents far more than a trip—it is a chance for Tyler to experience joy, connection, and identity beyond illness, after spending much of his youth in medical settings. Your support would have a meaningful and lasting impact on his wellbeing.
This request was forwarded to us by our community partner organisation No Limits Perth on 6th July. Last Thursday 9thJuly, we had the privilege along with Janine Wood from No Limits Perth to meet Tyler, his mum and his support worker Travis, before they leave for Melbourne to fulfil Tyler's last wish.
We had to move quickly and were very grateful to RAWCS for their support and help to complete the application process in a very timely manner. Our club members donated as did No Limits and the Howard family. We were able to raise $3,835 in a few days.
That was matched by a compassionate grant from RAWCS - Rotary Australia World
Community Service -RACG. This funding is available to Rotary clubs through the very generous donation from Dick Smith and his family. This project has turned what seemed impossible into reality and Tyler's wish has become possible.
In just a few days, Tyler, his mum, his brother and his support worker will head to
Melbourne to create precious memories together—memories that will last a lifetime. This is what happens when organisations stop asking, "Whose responsibility is this?" and
instead ask, "How can we help?"
To everyone who donated, organised and believed this was worth making happen—thank
you. You haven't simply funded a trip. You've given Tyler and his family the priceless gift
of time together, joy beyond illness, and memories they will treasure forever.
We wish Tyler and his family safe travels and hope every moment in Melbourne is
everything they have dreamed of.
U Update 28th July 2026 -Tyler Howard, the young man suffering from a critical illness who we were able to help achieve his wish of a trip to Melbourne to explore the art scene, shop and explore, arrived back after a wonderful 4-day trip. He travelled with his mother and brother, and his carer and his mother sent the following message after their return.
To everyone who supported Tyler's dream trip to Melbourne,
Thank you for mobilising so quickly to make this happen. You turned Tyler's dream into reality, and it meant the world to him.
We clothes shopped till we dropped, created some cool artworks, wandered laneways full of street art, browsed the markets, and ate very well along the way! Every part of the trip reflected the things Tyler loves most, and he was in his element 😊
We've rolled home very tired, very happy, and with very special memories.
Thank you again, from all of us.
With much appreciation,
Helen, Tyler and family