Wyatt Finkel

(Finkel family GoFundMe linked here)

We have known the Finkel family for over a year now. Their special family consists of Tim and Angela, mom and dad, and their two sons Wyatt, 10, and Ryder, 8. At a 2023 hospital visit, Team Hutch got to meet the entire #FinkelForce—grandma and papa included. They are an incredible group of people. What brought them to the hospital was a check up for their youngest son Ryder's DIPG diagnosis. We made Ryder one of our Hutch Heroes last year.

This year, as Ryder continues to battle DIPG with strength and positivity, we wanted to acknowledge and uplift his troop of unwavering supporters that surrounds him. Wyatt, Ryder's older brother, has been battling right alongside Ryder and they are the closest two brothers can be. Wyatt's humility and strength shines far beyond his years and it is truly a remarkable thing to behold.

After getting to know Wyatt—and all the siblings of our heroes—we decided it was time to introduce a new kind of hero, the Superhero Sibling.

We’ve always acknowledged the siblings of our heroes and it’s now time to let them know that we see them. We see how brave they have to be amidst fear, worry, confusion, and huge life changes in their families. We see they witness devastating emotional pain while managing their own. We see how they often have to put their own dreams and wants aside to sacrifice for the challenges their siblings face daily with a life-threatening illness. They are in the background, quiet and supportive, during our visits to the hospital, yet you see it all in their eyes. A yearning and hope that their brother or sister will just get better. When we asked, that’s the only gift Wyatt wants for Christmas... for Ryder to heal. 

So congratulations, Wyatt, you are not only an extraordinary kid with big dreams and lots of charisma, you are the best big brother to Ryder.

After telling Ryder that his big brother was our Superhero Sibling, Ryder smiled and nodded vigorously and then wrote a message to Wyatt alongside Aidan’s writing on the jug... he wrote “I love you more.” 

Wyatt's Story:

Wyatt is a true artist personality whose enthusiasm rivals how big his heart is. He is an energetic light to our world and begins every day as if he’s launched from a cannon. He is a non-conformer as well as an intensely creative thinker who does not simply see the world at face value and wants to explore every corner of it. Wyatt is a natural teacher and thrives on sharing his knowledge and discoveries with others. Making friends wherever he goes, he is a natural leader and incredibly sensitive and empathetic. He cares deeply for his friends, family and anyone in need. Wyatt loves animals and displays an inherent kinship with them. He makes those around him laugh everyday. We believe Wyatt is destined for great things.

Since his brother’s brain cancer diagnosis in October of 2023, Wyatt has been asked to endure more than any 10 year old boy should have to. He has had to put his own needs aside to focus on his brother’s treatment. Children thrive on security. When your sibling is terminally ill, you are robbed of your security. Wyatt can no longer play with his brother as he used to doing things they loved such as skiing and snowboarding, playing on the same basketball team, biking, and wrestling with each other as brother’s do.

 

Despite this adversity, Wyatt is Unbroken. He maintains a smile on his face while supporting his brother through every step. He is proud to be Ryder’s brother. He is our definition of Grit and Gratitude.

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To all of the siblings of our heroes, you are seen.

You are the support system, the hope bringers, the prayer warriors.

Tim, Wyatt and Ryder's dad, illustrated the above photo beautifully. He said, "I love the one of them together where Wyatt is flicking a coin into a wishing well while Ryder is praying. This was at Disney this past March. The kids didn’t know I was listening or taking a photo. Wyatt is wishing Ryder gets better while Ryder is praying for the same thing. It’s a powerful photo and we’ve since framed it in our house."

Love Always,

Team Hutch