Imagine Dragons is a globally famous American rock band formed in 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They gained international fame with hits such as “Radioactive,” “Demons,” “Believer,” and “Thunder,” selling millions of albums worldwide and winning prestigious awards like the Grammy and multiple Billboard Music Awards. Their distinctive sound and energetic performances have made them one of the most influential rock acts of the last decade.
Beyond their musical success, Imagine Dragons is deeply committed to philanthropy, especially in the realm of pediatric cancer. They co-founded the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF) in honor of Tyler Robinson, a young fan who bravely battled pediatric cancer before passing away. The foundation focuses on providing financial and emotional support to families affected by childhood cancer, easing the burden of non-medical expenses during treatment.
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The band’s dedication was highlighted in their recent 2024 Rise Up Gala in Las Vegas, where Imagine Dragons performed a surprise live cover of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” sparking a $25,000 donation challenge. The event successfully raised over $2 million for the foundation, underscoring the powerful combination of music, community, and charity. This gala attracted more than 800 guests and brought together fans, philanthropists, and celebrities united by the cause of fighting pediatric cancer, reinforcing Imagine Dragons’ role as both influential musicians and compassionate advocates for children’s health.
How the Tyler Robinson Foundation Began: A Legacy of Strength and Support
Imagine Dragons’ involvement in the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF) goes well beyond fundraising efforts. The band actively engages with the cause by visiting hospitals to meet pediatric cancer patients, sending personalized video messages to inspire young fighters, and offering unique fan experiences such as backstage meet-and-greets and exclusive concert tickets. These personal interactions bring joy and motivation to the families affected by cancer.
On their music tours, Imagine Dragons incorporate philanthropy by partnering with organizations like CrowdRise to donate $1 from every concert ticket sold to TRF. They also run special campaigns during tours offering fans chances to win VIP tickets and meet the band while contributing to the foundation’s mission.
Band members, especially lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, have repeatedly expressed their deep emotional connection to TRF. Dan Reynolds has said, “The work of the Tyler Robinson Foundation is incredibly close to my heart. Seeing the courage and resilience of these young fighters and their families is a constant reminder of the power of love and community.” The band views TRF not just as a charity, but as a family committed to supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families through both financial aid and emotional support.
The 2024 Rise Up Gala Concert
The 2024 Rise Up Gala, hosted by the Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF), took place on September 20, 2024, at the Wynn Las Vegas—a premier venue known for luxury events. This highly anticipated annual gala brought together over 800 guests, including donors, supporters, families affected by pediatric cancer, celebrities, and influential community members. The event was a vibrant mix of celebration, inspiration, and heartfelt remembrance.
The evening began with a red carpet and cocktail reception, where guests mingled and explored a diverse array of silent auction items, setting an energetic and hopeful tone for the night. During the gourmet dinner, a live auction featured exclusive experiences and unique items, such as trips to tapings of well-known shows, helping raise critical funds for TRF’s mission. The hosts, Joel McHale and Aisha Tyler, provided engaging entertainment and kept the audience energized throughout the evening.
A particularly moving segment showcased a compilation of ten years of TRF family stories, highlighting how the foundation’s financial and emotional support has profoundly impacted families facing pediatric cancer. This tribute personalized the mission for guests and deepened their connection to the cause.
The entertainment highlight was a live performance by Imagine Dragons, who energized the crowd with a dynamic set of their biggest hits. In a special moment, the band took fan requests on the spot—performing John Denver’s “Country Roads,” Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” and Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby.” The tribute to Tyler Robinson during their song “It’s Time” was a poignant memorial honoring children who lost their battles with cancer, stirring an emotional call for unity and continued support.
One unforgettable moment was a spontaneous $25,000 donation challenge triggered by Imagine Dragons’ impromptu cover of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” showcasing the power of music to inspire generosity. By the end of the gala, over $2 million was raised, representing crucial funding to support pediatric cancer families through TRF’s programs.
In addition to fundraising, the gala heightened awareness of pediatric cancer’s challenges and TRF’s role as a lifeline for affected families. Through events like this, Imagine Dragons and the foundation continue to create a strong community dedicated to hope, resilience, and meaningful change.
The 2024 Rise Up Gala was a testament to the enduring legacy of Tyler Robinson and the unwavering commitment of Imagine Dragons and their supporters to fight pediatric cancer with heart, music, and action. The full performance and gala highlights are available on Imagine Dragons’ YouTube channel and TRF social media platforms.
Broader Reach and Future Goals of the Tyler Robinson Foundation
The Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF) has embraced technology and innovative strategies to expand its global fundraising reach. They leverage live streaming of events like the annual Rise Up Gala, making it accessible to supporters worldwide who cannot attend in person. Social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube play a crucial role in raising awareness, sharing inspiring family stories, and engaging a broad audience through interactive campaigns and real-time updates.
Ongoing initiatives include partnerships with online crowdfunding platforms for year-round donations, virtual concerts, and merchandise sales where proceeds support pediatric cancer families. Imagine Dragons actively promotes these efforts during their tours and through their large online following, helping TRF reach new supporters internationally.
Future goals focus on expanding TRF’s impact beyond financial aid, enhancing emotional support programs with counseling services and retreats, and investing in research toward better pediatric cancer treatments. The foundation plans to increase collaborations with hospitals and community organizations to widen access to resources for affected families.
To support or get involved, individuals can donate directly through the TRF website, participate or volunteer in gala events and fundraisers, purchase foundation merchandise, or even coordinate local community drives. TRF also encourages corporate partnerships and sponsorships to amplify their mission.
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Written by Aharon Tsaturyan, MD, Lead of OncoDaily Volunteers, Editor at OncoDaily Intelligence Unit.
FAQ
Who is Tyler Robinson and how did the foundation start?
Tyler Robinson was a 16-year-old fan of Imagine Dragons who bravely fought pediatric cancer (rhabdomyosarcoma). The band formed a close bond with him, inspired by his courage and optimism. After Tyler passed away in 2013, Imagine Dragons and his family established the Tyler Robinson Foundation to honor his legacy and continue supporting families facing pediatric cancer.
When was the Tyler Robinson Foundation founded and by whom?
The Tyler Robinson Foundation was founded in 2013 by Imagine Dragons in partnership with the Robinson family to provide support to pediatric cancer families.
What is the mission of the Tyler Robinson Foundation?
TRF’s mission is to strengthen families financially and emotionally as they cope with pediatric cancer by providing grants for non-medical expenses like rent, utilities, childcare, and travel during treatment, ensuring families do not face cancer alone.
How does Imagine Dragons support the Tyler Robinson Foundation?
Imagine Dragons actively support TRF beyond fundraising. They visit hospitals, send personalized messages to patients, and incorporate philanthropy in their tours by donating from ticket sales and holding special campaigns, fostering direct engagement and ongoing awareness.
What events does TRF organize to raise funds?
TRF’s flagship event is the annual Rise Up Gala, which unites donors, celebrities, and families for a night of auctions, performances, and fundraising. The 2024 Gala raised over $2 million, featuring a memorable performance by Imagine Dragons, including a surprise cover of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”.
How much money has TRF raised so far?
Since its inception, TRF has raised over $30 million, supporting thousands of families worldwide, with nearly 85 cents of every dollar going directly to families in need.
What types of support does TRF provide?
TRF provides financial grants specifically for out-of-pocket life expenses and emotional support services including counseling and retreats for families affected by pediatric cancer.
Who hosts the Rise Up Gala?
The gala is often hosted by notable personalities such as Joel McHale and Aisha Tyler, alongside performances by Imagine Dragons, who also serve as the event’s hosts.
How did the 2024 Rise Up Gala go?
The 2024 Gala was a sold-out event at Wynn Las Vegas, hosting over 800 guests and raising over $2 million. It featured live performances, auctions, personal stories, and a donation challenge sparked by Imagine Dragons’ impromptu Eminem cover.
How can I support or get involved with TRF?
You can support TRF by donating via their website, attending or volunteering at events, purchasing merchandise, hosting fundraisers, or becoming a corporate partner to amplify their mission globally.