Homer Glen 6-Year-Old A Finalist In Hospital Gown Design Contest

HOMER GLEN, IL — Six-year-old Tyler Cepkauskas from Homer Glen is one of three finalists in the nationwide Design-A-Gown competition by Starlight Children's Foundation. The winner of the competition will have their design made into a real gown and distributed across the country to children's hospitals.

Tyler's design was inspired by his little sister, Emily, who has Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect. Emily has had three open heart surgeries, and has spent the first four years of her life in and out of the ICU, Tyler and Emily's mom Laurie said.

There were nearly 1,000 entries in the competition, and Tyler is one of three finalists.

"Tyler covered his gown with inspirational words that he would frequently say to Emily before any surgery or admission," Laurie told Patch. The design features words like "fighter," "courage," "heart," and "hope."

“Emily remember to be brave and have courage. You have to have hope and strength. Remember you are a fighter and a survivor. You are so loved," Tyler said. “I figured if it was on her hospital gown, she would remember even when big brother couldn’t be with her.”

The gown design contest ends May 22, and you can vote once a day per email address. The winner of the contest will be announced May 27.

Starlight Children's Foundation is a nonprofit which delivers happiness to seriously ill children via deliveries of virtual reality headsets, hospital wear, gaming, books, toys, games and arts and crafts.