Tyler's Tender hosts fundraiser for young boy battling cancer

SCHERERVILLE | Adler Shelbourne is spending his third birthday at IU Health's Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis recuperating from six hours of surgery Thursday for a malignant brain tumor.

Last year, the young boy from Griffith, who loves all things train-related, celebrated his birthday at Tyler's Tender. The train-themed restaurant features interactive O-scale model trains, flatbed train cars that deliver meals to patrons around the counter and train rides.

While recuperating, Adler likes to watch "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" five times a day, said his mother, Stephanie Nagy Shelbourne. Sunday was the first day Adler felt well enough to ask for his trains, which his parents had stowed in their car.

Although Adler is unable to celebrate at his favorite dining spot, Tyler's Tender, 360 E. U.S. 30, is hosting Adler Day, a fundraiser to help his family with their mounting medical expenses. The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, and 15 percent of all sales will be donated to the Shelbourne family.

The Shelbourne Benefit for Adler has been set up at Centier Bank. Donations may be made at any branch.

Shelbourne said her husband lost his medical insurance in June and then lost his job. Adler was diagnosed with cancer shortly before Christmas, undergoing his first surgery Dec. 22.

Shelbourne, who also has a 5-month-old son, works part time as an orthodontic specialist. She was on maternity leave when Adler was diagnosed and will be unable to work indefinitely because of her son's illness. Her husband has started a new job.

Shelbourne said Adler will require six months of intensive chemotherapy treatments with at least two weeks spent at Riley each month.

Shelbourne said Medicaid denied her application last year for coverage for Adler. She since has reapplied to Medicaid and to another insurance fund through the hospital — Children's Special Needs and Disabilities. Both applications are pending.

"We will do anything to save him," Shelbourne said.

Shelbourne said Adler has shown endurance and strength in his battle against cancer.

In December, Adler's brain scan at Franciscan St. Margaret Health in Hammond revealed a large tumor the size of a fist. Adler was transported to Riley, where he began having seizures and underwent his first surgery, which doctors said saved his life, Shelbourne said.