The Glenn family has turned their personal experience into purpose through Stryker Strong, a family-led foundation dedicated to raising awareness for rare genetic conditions and supporting children with complex medical needs.
Caden Stryker Glenn, born in 2015, was diagnosed with Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects multiple systems and requires lifelong care. His mother, Lindsay Glenn, chose the name “Stryker” as a nod to her husband’s love for baseball, a name that would later come to represent far more than anyone could have imagined.
In 2019, Stryker experienced a febrile seizure that resulted in an anoxic brain injury, significantly increasing his medical needs and requiring coordinated, around-the-clock care from his parents.
Through their experience, the Glenn family created Stryker Strong, an organization focused on raising awareness for rare genetic conditions and supporting families navigating complex medical journeys. One of the foundation’s primary initiatives is its annual Stryker Strong Golf Tournament, which raises awareness for Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome while generating funds to support children with complex medical needs.
In 2025, proceeds from the Stryker Strong Golf Tournament allowed the Glenn family to make their first donation to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics Complex Care Team, known as the Teal Team. The donation was inspired by the team’s multidisciplinary, family-centered approach to care.
According to Marie Pfarr, M.D., director of the Complex Care Team and assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, community support plays a vital role in expanding services for children with medical complexity.
“Community support like the donation from Stryker Strong supports the growth of our complex care program, allowing us to enhance services, reach more families in need and develop specialized initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by children with complex needs and their families,” said Pfarr.
Beyond medical coordination, the Glenn family said the Teal Team provided meaningful emotional support during some of their most difficult hospital stays.
“As parents of a child with complex needs, they made us feel seen and heard,” said Robby Glenn, Stryker’s father. “They took the time to get to know Stryker personally and create a care plan that truly fits his needs. That level of support gave us confidence and put our minds at ease during incredibly stressful times.”
Lindsay Glenn said the team’s coordinated approach made a significant difference for their entire family.
“Having a coordinated care team changed everything for us,” said Lindsay Glenn. “The Complex Care Team already knows Stryker, knows our family and helps us navigate everything in one place. Their support has meant so much to us as parents.”
Pfarr emphasized that comprehensive care extends beyond medical treatment alone.
“It’s crucial for families to feel supported beyond medical care, as caring for a child with medical complexity impacts all aspects of a family’s life,” said Pfarr. “Our program is committed to empowering families and helping them navigate these challenges, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.”
In addition to supporting UAB, the Glenn family also gives back to their local community through Stryker Strong. The foundation has donated medical and therapy equipment to Hoover City Schools, where Stryker receives homebound services, including speech, occupational and physical therapy. The family has also provided supplies for therapists who often purchase resources out of pocket to support children with special needs.
“There are so many children like Stryker who need specialized equipment and support,” said Lindsay Glenn. “We wanted to help other families and therapists who are doing this work every day.”
Through Stryker Strong, the Glenn family continues to turn personal experience into purpose, using community-driven events like their golf tournament to raise awareness, support families and give back to the health care teams and schools that serve children with rare and complex conditions.
Learn more about Stryker Strong and the Glenn family’s mission at strykerstrong.org.