Senator Hassan Recognizes Tyler Blanchette of Hudson as August’s Granite Stater of the Month
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recognized Tyler Blanchette of Hudson as August’s Granite Stater of the Month for his efforts to steadfastly raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, even as he faces his own medical challenges.
The annual fundraiser began in the winter of 2009, when Tyler’s older brother Brandon decided to sell hot chocolate on his front lawn to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of their late great-grandfather who had passed away from Alzheimer’s. Once Brandon moved out of their family home, Tyler eagerly took over running the annual fundraiser.
In part by selling hot chocolate for one-dollar to friends, neighbors, and community members, Tyler’s family has raised approximately $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.
Senator Hassan launched the “Granite Stater of the Month” initiative in 2017 to recognize outstanding New Hampshire citizens who go above and beyond to help their neighbors and make their communities stronger. To nominate a New Hampshire citizen to be a “Granite Stater of the Month,” constituents can complete the nomination form here.
Click here or see below for Senator Hassan’s statement to the Congressional Record honoring Tyler Blanchette of Hudson as August’s Granite Stater of the Month.
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 one-dollar 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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