[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 145 (Tuesday, August 10, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S6272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO TYLER BLANCHETTE

 Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize Tyler 
Blanchette of Hudson as August's Granite Stater of the Month. Tyler has 
helped run an annual fundraiser outside his family's home in the middle 
of the winter to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association and has 
continued this effort even as he faces his own brain cancer diagnosis.
  The yearly fundraiser began on a chilly day in the winter of 2009 
when Tyler's older brother Brandon decided to sell hot chocolate on his 
front lawn to raise money to support Alzheimer's research. The 
inspiration behind the fundraiser stemmed from their great-grandfather, 
nicknamed ``Big Papa,'' who was diagnosed with the disease and died 
from it when Brandon and Tyler were young.
  Once Brandon grew older and moved out of the Blanchette's home, Tyler 
eagerly took over running the event--making the signs, brewing the hot 
chocolate, and getting the word out to the community.
  The fundraiser, named Big Papa's Cocoa Stand in honor of Tyler's 
great-grandfather, sells hot chocolate for $1 to friends, neighbors, 
and community members who come by for a hot drink and a good cause. All 
of the sales go to the Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter of the 
Alzheimer's Association, and since its founding, Tyler's family has 
raised approximately $30,000 for the organization.
  Four years ago, Tyler was diagnosed with brain cancer, a diagnosis he 
is living with today. Yet he was determined to continue helping others 
by running the cocoa stand. Tyler never let his diagnosis stand in the 
way of his goal to raise money for the organization that is working to 
find a cure for the disease that took his great-grandfather's life.
  Despite incredible adversity, Tyler has exemplified the spirit of the 
Granite State by forging on and serving his community no matter the 
circumstances. It is a mark of Tyler's compassion and grit that he 
continues to operate this fundraiser as he battles his own health 
challenges. I am proud to honor Tyler for his efforts and will pray for 
him and his family during this difficult time.

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