Fairfield Twp. family of Kyler Bradley wins ride in Opening Day Parade

A Fairfield Twp. family’s platform advocating more research of a rare cancer just got bigger.

The Bradley family's support of DIPG research in honor of 10-year-old Kyler, who died last April, has earned them the title Chick-fil-A First Fan Family.

The Bradley family will receive free Chick-fil-A food, a ride on the Chick-fil-A float in the Reds Opening Day Parade and eight Opening Day game tickets.

“It’s another avenue for getting the word out and raising some more money,” said family friend Dave Diehl who nominated the Bradleys in the contest.

Since Kyler’s death, the Bradleys have formed the KylerStrong Foundation. All of the funds raised go directly to research DIPG, the same cancer Mount St. Joseph basketball player Lauren Hill had that resulted in her death in 2015.

Between May and December 2016, the KylerStrong Foundation raised $44,000 for DIPG research.

“It gives the Bradleys a little pick me up with Kyler’s one-year ‘angel-versary’ coming up,” said family friend Dave Diehl.

Diehl nominated the Bradleys without their knowledge after he saw the contested advertised at the Bridgewater Falls Chick-fil-A.

The contest, which was opened locally to the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, is designed to honor those who volunteer and support their local community, and love Chick-fil-A and the Cincinnati Reds.

Rebecca Bradley said this past year has been especially hard on her oldest son, who used to play basketball and roughhouse with Kyler.

“I feel, in a way, this is Kyler’s big gift for his big brother,” said Bradley, adding that both boys enjoyed the restaurant.

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KYLERSTRONG FUNDRAISERS 

There are a number of KylerStrong Foundation fundraisers coming up this year, and here are two set for this spring:

April 23: From 2 to 5 p.m. at Kendra Scott at Liberty Center in Liberty Twp. During this time, 20 percent of all purchases will be donated to the foundation.

April 29: Beginning at 7 p.m., a superhero-themed fundraiser dinner will be held at Ryan's Tavern in downtown Hamilton. It's $30 per ticket (kids are free) that features a pull pork meal, raffles, and activity for children.

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