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April 25, 1992 to October 17, 2009. A rule-follower and JROTC cadet whose voice, through his mother Tina, still changes lives today.
Tyler was high-functioning autistic. It made him exacting, honest, and literal, always following the rules even when others didn't. That same quality made him an easy target: he never understood why cruelty was ever a choice someone would make.
He loved his family, was proud of his JROTC uniform, and carried a quiet seriousness people still remember.
Tyler Lee Long was born into a family that loved him fiercely, the kind of kid who lit up every family trip and school portrait.
As a child on the autism spectrum, Tyler stood out, and was targeted for it. Ordinary school years became years of relentless bullying.
Tyler found a sense of order and pride in JROTC. In his uniform, photographed in front of the flags he was proud to serve, he looked every bit the young man his family knew him to be.
After years of bullying his school and community failed to stop, Tyler took his own life at 17. His mother, Tina, calls it bullycide, because naming the cause is part of preventing the next one.
Tina founded Everything Starts With 1 and has never stopped, speaking at schools and testifying in Washington so every child's voice is heard in time.
In loving memory of Tyler Lee Long. Greatly loved, forever missed, accepted for who he was.
Bring Tina to speak with your community, or find resources to support a child in your life.
