Michigan Native And Purdue Student Completes 100-Mile Walk in Honor Of Tyler Trent

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Photo credit © Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Spor
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (97.1 The Ticket) -- A Michigan native in his junior year at Purdue University was inspired by the late Tyler Trent, a Purdue student and Boilermaker super fan who died after a public battle with cancer.
Aaron Lai, originally from Troy, Mich., launched a GoFundMe campaign last month in honor of Trent, vowing to walk all the way from Purdue's campus in West Lafayette, Ind., to the Indiana University campus in Bloomington for Tuesday's rivalry game at Assembly Hall.
Lai left Purdue on Sunday and documented his journey on Twitter. He arrived shortly before tipoff Tuesday night.

With a belly full of oatmeal and several layers of clothes, he’s off! @alai2016 just began his 100 mile walk from WL to Bloomington for @theTylerTrent. He will arrive Tuesday afternoon for @BoilerBall vs @IndianaMBB. Special report Tuesday on @WLFI. #TylerStrong #NeverGiveUpT2 pic.twitter.com/4VWssqec4b

— Trevor Peters (@TrevorPetersTV) February 17, 2019

Safely arrived at my first stop 33miles in! Thank you guys for all the love and support! I’m proud to announce that we have SURPASSED our goal. I’m so humbled and grateful. Two more days and I’ll be at @IUBloomington #TYLERSTRONG #BoilerUp #NeverGiveUpT2 pic.twitter.com/FImNklWyws

— Aaron Lai (@alai2016) February 18, 2019

Trying my best to get to @IndianaUniv but the pain is starting to become unbearable. Trying my best to get to @IndianaUniv vs @BoilerBall by tipoff.Mile 95/100#BoilerUp #TylerStrong #NeverGiveUpT2

— Aaron Lai (@alai2016) February 19, 2019

Finally met the kindest people in the world @TonyTrent10 @Kat9798 . It humbling to honor your son, @theTylerTrent. pic.twitter.com/KLYV0U34cr

— Aaron Lai (@alai2016) February 20, 2019

Lai's GoFundMe page has raised over $20,000, more than double his original goal of $10,000.

Trent spent time with the Purdue football team and journalists such as ESPN's Scott Van Pelt and the Indianapolis Star's Gregg Doyel, inspiring many along the way.
"Whatever happens because of this, it’s going to come out for good, whether I see that now or not,” Trent told Purdue Exponent after he found out in his cancer had returned in 2018.As many have been impacted by Trent's courageous battle, Lai wanted to honor him.

His 100-mile journey has raised money for the Tyler Trent's Cancer Research Endowment and the Walther Cancer Foundation is matching every dollar.

Lai says on his GoFundMe page that Trent reminded him of his grandfather, who died of lung cancer.

"My Grandfather lived on his own terms despite the terminal illness and never gave up the fight," Lai wrote on the page. "Going to the same school with Tyler and seeing his tremendous spirit and energy motivated me to plan this event."

The Boilermakers eeked out a 48-46 win over their rivals Tuesday night.

Trent's dream was to raise $1 million for cancer research, and Lai is trying to help him do so. Those who wish to donate can do so through Lai's page or through Tyler Trent's Cancer Research Endowment.