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His Dad thinks he should be the head of the cheer squad, but a couple of choice words to his favourite players pre-match might suggest he has a future in the coaching box.
Tyson Stanley might not be able to join his favourite players for a kick of the football, but he could share with them a story or two about courage and tenacity.
At aged six, Tyson found out he was one in two million, diagnosed with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).
FOP or “stone man syndrome”, is an extremely rare disorder that fuses muscles and joints into solid bone.
There are only 800 cases known across the globe of ‘stone man syndrome’, and just 13 in Australia.
In partnership with Slater & Gordon, the Western Bulldogs were able to give him an experience at the football on Sunday he won’t soon forget.
Watching the players warm-up from the boundary line at Etihad Stadium, and sharing in the euphoric atmosphere in the rooms post-match after the Bulldogs 18-point win against Collingwood on Sunday.
He met the captain, coach and a host of the playing group whilst also featuring on the big screen pre-match.
Tyson’s dream is to travel to the US eventually to meet others with the condition.
As the teen gets older, everyday necessities, like moving around his family’s home, are becoming more difficult for Tyson.
He is no longer able to easily get in and out of the family car and the house is too small for his wheelchair.
Tyson’s family have started a Facebook page “Tyson's fight - Life with Stoneman Syndrome” to share his story but also to raise money to allow for Tyson’s ongoing care and to make his dream to travel to the US a reality.
If you would like to learn more about Tyson Stanley, or make a donation, please click here.
Exclusive to westernbulldogs.com.au
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