Pontiac Fiero lovers help a Frazee teen with terminal cancer

Frazee, Minn. (WDAY TV) - They are gathering in Frazee, Minnesota this weekend for an incredible teen-ager. 18-year old Tyler Shipman always dreamed of restoring his 1986 Pontiac Fiero, but now as Tyler battles end stage cancer, friends and strangers from across the country are coming to redo, ramp-up, and turn that Fiero into a piece of art.

At the Frazee body shop today, work began to gut and restore Tyler’s Pontiac Fiero. Rick Manning flew in from Pennsylvania after he read about Tyler’s wish on the internet.

When Tyler got news his cancer was not treatable, he turned to the computer, an on-line discussion board for Fiero lovers. Hundreds, including a soldier in Iraq read Tyler’s story. They all wanted to help and this weekend, dozens will fly in or drive to Frazee to help Tyler with this last one wish.

Kris Antuzzi flew in from California. He and Rick will join many volunteers this weekend in primping the Pontiac. This afternoon, a surprise, Tyler and his parents came to the body shop to check out the Fiero now in pieces.

This weekend, the high school senior will sit back and watch his car take shape. His parents cannot believe what is happening. It has come down to time for Tyler. It means cherishing it tonight, teaching the rest of us to embrace it.