On the weekend of July 17, 2010, the Fuls family was at a cabin enjoying time with great friends when Tanner, just 11 years old, hit his arm on the corner of a table. “Within an hour, it had turned black and blue, and we knew we needed to have it examined,” explained Tanner's parents, John & Cindy Fuls. “Throughout the summer, we had noticed bruises on Tanner but thought they were from him just being an active boy. We took him to the doctor after the lake weekend, then to the Minneapolis Children's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). A second opinion from the Mayo Clinic confirmed that Tanner did have MDS and needed a bone marrow transplant. Tanner checked into Children's Hospital on September 13 to start chemotherapy and checked into the U of M Amplatz Children’s Hospital on October 29, 2010, to begin the bone marrow transplant process.” After months of ups and downs, a bone marrow transplant, countless treatments, and a whole lot of life-living, Tanner passed away on November 27, 2010.
“We created Tanner's Team Foundation in 2011 to help families with children who are fighting a life-threatening illness. Our mission is to carry on Tanner’s legacy. We help families in 45 counties across Minnesota to help cover housing, transportation, and household costs incurred during their child's care and treatment. Monthly living expenses continue to mount even though parents often have to put their jobs on hold. Families worry and despair about carrying on day-to-day operations that seem meaningless next to the new battle they are facing. Tanner's Team Foundation works to ease these burdens. Our foundation, incorporated in Minnesota, is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.”
John is originally from Clara City, and Cindy is from Little Falls. “We met in St. Cloud and married in June of 1996. We have two children, Tanner, forever 11, and Maddie, who is now 22. We have lived in Sauk Rapids since 1996.” John, Cindy, and Maddie started Tanner’s Team to honor their son and brother. “We have worked very hard over the years to get to this point. We work together as a team, along with our daughter Maddie, who has been an important part of Tanner's Team as well.”
There are many aspects of Tanner’s Team that make them unique, but their swift dedication to making a true difference in the lives of families in need is at the top of that list. “We are able to review completed applications and approve grants in under seven days, often within just two days. We disburse payments quickly, sending them directly to creditors or vendors using the information supplied in the application, thereby reducing families’ stress related to unpaid bills. Social workers from children’s hospitals tell us we are easy to deal with, highly responsive, and a vital, valuable lifeline for struggling families.”
“A unique part of Tanner's Team Foundation is that we have no paid staff or employees. We have operated for 14 years with only the support of volunteers. We are extremely proud to say this, and most importantly, this allows the money we raise to go back to families instead. We have been blessed with wonderful people who have given their time to help and support the families of Central Minnesota when they need it most. Most of our volunteers have served 3 years or more. We do ask for a minimum of 3 years commitment, but once involved, people tend to stay longer after seeing the mission we are on.”
Tanner's Team Foundation is based in Sauk Rapids. On May 1, 2025, they announced that they had surpassed 700 grants, along with reaching the $1 million mark in grants awarded to Central Minnesota families. “This was a huge accomplishment that we never dreamed about when we started. Initially, we started with grants of $500 per family; now our average grant is $3,500 per family. We are able to make multiple payments for them to help out that month. It makes such an impact.”
“The hardest part of doing what we’re doing with Tanner’s team is keeping people involved in our mission, as it has been 14 years since he passed. Our support system has grown over the years, but we continue to face the challenge of raising additional funds to help families in need. The further we get away from his passing, the less people know who Tanner was, but they still support us once they hear what we are doing with the funds. We would love for us not to have to exist at all – that would mean that children are not getting sick. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Families' lives are changed every day. Thankfully, this organization is thriving financially, but we’re always working to continue helping others.”
“It’s amazing to be part of the Greater St. Cloud communities - they’ve all been wonderful supporters for us over the years. We don't expect it, but often we receive pictures of the children we help and thank-you notes as well. We have received calls from moms and dads in tears, thanking us for our help. We get to follow the children as their battle continues. We are a good resource for families as we have walked the same road they are currently on. We know what it is like to have one spouse not working so the other can be in the hospital with their child. The bills keep coming for them, but if we can provide some relief for them when needed most, that is what fills our hearts.”
If you’re interested in learning more about Tanner’s Team Foundation or getting involved, follow them on social media or visit their website. “You can volunteer for events, and word of mouth is big for us. We always welcome you to attend our events, allowing us to continue helping families in our communities. We have received a lot of support from people and businesses in Central Minnesota. Many of our partnerships can be found on our website and Facebook page. We do lots of shout-outs there, too; some of our best support has come from businesses in the Central Minnesota area during our events. We’re grateful this community is full of generous people.”
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