Battling Cancer, Hudson Teen Continues His Work to Fundraise For For Alzheimer’s Research

Tyler Blanchette’s annual Alzheimer’s fundraiser began on a chilly winter day in 2009, when Tyler’s older brother Brandon decided to sell hot chocolate on his front lawn to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. They were inspired by the loss of their great grandfather, nicknamed “Big Papa,” who died from the disease when Brandon and Tyler were young.

Once Brandon grew older and moved out of the Blanchette’s home, Tyler took over running the event — making the signs, brewing the hot chocolate, and spreading the word to the community.

The fundraiser, named Big Papa’s Cocoa Stand, still sells hot chocolate for one dollar to friends, neighbors, and community members who come by for a hot drink and a good cause. Since the start of the fundraiser, Tyler and his family have raised upward of $30,000 for the Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Four years ago, Tyler was diagnosed with brain cancer — a diagnosis that he is living with today. Despite this adversity, he has continued to help others by running the hot chocolate stand and raising money to help efforts aimed at finding a cure for the disease that took his great-grandfather’s life.

Tyler has exemplified the spirit of the Granite State serving his community no matter the circumstances. It is a sign 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 as August’s Granite Stater of the Month. Our prayers are with Tyler and his family as they once again come together during this difficult time.

Do you know a Granite Stater who should be next month’s Granite Stater of the Month? Nominate them here.