LAKE POINSETT, S.D. – When Ty Eschenbaum was diagnosed with leukemia as a teenager, his health journey was made easier with the support and love of family, friends and even strangers.
He had been looking forward to coming back to school his sophomore year, being the quarterback, the point guard, and just getting to enjoy being a kid. What started as abnormal fatigue and a routine checkup resulted in a diagnosis no one wants or expects to hear; leukemia.
His non-profit, the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation (TEF), recently made a $100,000 donation to Make-A-Wish® South Dakota & Montana.
“I am truly humbled that my foundation is able to continue to support Make-A-Wish®, and it’s all possible through the support of the generous donors, partners, and friends of the foundation,” said Ty Eschenbaum. “I was granted a Wish, and I’m forever grateful for the love and support I received as a teenager with leukemia, but we choose to support Make-A-Wish® in honor of my late girlfriend, Autumn Jungwirth. She’s remembered for her beautiful passion for helping children and putting others first.”
The donation was made during a check presentation at the Make-A-Wish® South Dakota & Montana headquarters in Sioux Falls, S.D., on World Wish Day. This donation marks $215,000 TEF has donated to Make-A-Wish® South Dakota & Montana in the last three years.
“Ty’s exceptional generosity and kindness are overwhelming. Very simply, his support is transformational for our chapter and the kids and families we are privileged to serve,” said Sue Salter, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish® South Dakota & Montana. “In addition to helping 13 kids receive life-changing wishes with last year’s generous gift, Ty’s message of inspiration and encouragement continues to give kids hope as they battle critical illnesses. The continued support of Ty and his foundation will mean more kids will experience the hope and transformation of a wish come true.”
TEF raises money through fundraisers like The Summer Classic Golf and Fishing Tournament, taking place June 7-8, 2024 at Lake Region Golf Club/Lake Poinsett, and the annual Earn The Gift Gala, taking place December 7, 2024 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Golf and fishing team registration is still open for The Summer Classic at tyefoundation.org/the-summer-classic.
BACKGROUND: The Ty Eschenbaum Foundation (TEF) was founded in 2011 and has grown and impacted thousands of lives through its three heartfelt causes. From its inception, the foundation has granted scholarships to youth cancer survivors, following Ty’s battle with, and victory over, leukemia and dozens of complications in the years following. The second cause TEF supports is
Make-A-Wish®️, in honor of Autumn Jungwirth, who passed in 2019. Autumn was the love of Ty’s life, and is remembered for her passion for helping children. Lastly, TEF supports missionary work in honor of Calder, Ty’s brother, who passed away in 2021, and is remembered for his strong faith and inspiring work ethic.
For more information about Ty Eschenbaum and the work being done at the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, visit https://www.tyefoundation.org.
