Meet the Riley Artists for Marcus Ericsson’s helmet

At the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, you might have noticed Marcus Ericsson wearing a custom helmet featuring artwork from Riley Children’s patients.

Marcus, an Andretti INDYCAR driver and 2022 Indianapolis 500 champion, worked with Riley Children’s Foundation to collect artwork from Riley kids across Indiana for his helmet. This is the second year Riley kids have been featured on one of Marcus’ helmets during the INDYCAR season after he repped a customized Riley helmet at the 2023 GMR Grand Prix.

Get to know the Riley artists whose artwork is featured on the helmet:

Ty Arbogast, Avon – Ty races go-karts locally and nationally, and he uses his platform to reduce stigma around living with chronic illness. Ty has received treatment at Riley Children’s Health for Crohn’s disease and alopecia since 2020. The 14-year-old also runs cross country and track and trains in Brazilian JiuJitsu.

Lucy Beyers, Carmel – Lucy loves dance and tennis. She was born with a rare condition that impacts the arrangement of internal organs and spent her first seven months of life at Riley Children’s Health, including three surgeries. In 2021, Lucy underwent surgery to have a pacemaker implanted, and she feels better than ever. Today, Lucy is in sixth grade and receives ongoing care from multiple Riley specialists. She enjoys sharing her story at Riley Dance Marathons and fundraising for Riley in creative ways.

Alton Burris, New Palestine – Alton was diagnosed at 14 weeks in utero with prune belly syndrome. He’s had three surgeries at Riley Children’s Health, including at three days old and two weeks old. His last surgery was when he was 18 months. Now four years old, Alton enjoys playing outside and spending time with his sister.

Ismay Byczko, Indianapolis - Ismay is a creative, friendly 5-year-old who has been a patient off and on at Riley Children’s Health throughout her life. She’s had a few visits to the Riley Emergency Department and had a minor surgical procedure performed at Riley. Ismay loves gymnastics, drawing and playing with her little brother, Kasper, who was born in the Riley Maternity Tower in 2023.

Callista Dillion, Terre Haute – Callista was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease as a kindergartner and began receiving regular treatments at Riley Children’s Health. While going through treatment, Callista loved racing quarter midgets and raising funds for the hospital that saved her life. Now 16 years old, she is in remission and is the president of her high school’s Riley Dance Marathon. Callista loves Taylor Swift and wants to study Motorsports Marketing in college.

Tate Hartzler, Russiaville – Tate was only two months old when he stopped gaining weight and was initially diagnosed with acid reflux. Tate’s mother got a second opinion at Riley Children’s Health, where Tate was diagnosed with stage 3 hepatoblastoma. He had a tumor the size of a tennis ball in his liver. After chemotherapy and surgery, Tate has now been cancer-free for more than 10 years. He loves music and is also an exceptional athlete.

Keaton Jackson, Brazil – Keaton’s journey at Riley Children’s Health started in March 2019 when he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a soft cancer). His cancer came back in 2022 and then again recently in March. He is currently in treatment for the third time hoping to kick cancer for good. Keaton enjoys playing baseball for his middle school baseball team, fishing, gaming, attending church and being with family.

Cassidy Miller, New Palestine – Cassidy has received treatment at Riley Children’s Health for a rare autoimmune disease since she was a baby. At six months old, she nearly lost her life and spent several days intubated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Riley Children’s. Thanks to her care team, Cassidy has avoided hospitalization for the past four years. Cassidy recently celebrated her 6th birthday and is a happy and loving kindergartner.

Jayzen Oppelt, Lafayette – Jayzen has been a patient at Riley Children’s Health since birth, when doctors found that the white matter in his brain wasn’t fully developed. After extensive therapy, Jayzen is doing well. He receives ongoing care from multiple Riley specialists and was most recently diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in 2021. The seventh grader is a big sports fan and enjoys sharing his story to help other Riley kids.

Olivia Rousch, Anderson - Olivia loves cheerleading, tumbling, and creating all kinds of artwork. Olivia and her family have received ongoing support from Riley Grief Services since their baby sister, Flynn, was unexpectedly stillborn in April 2023. Olivia’s favorite things include playing on the trampoline and cuddling with the “Molly Bear” she received in memory of Flynn.

You can bid on Marcus Ericsson’s custom helmet at HelmetforRiley.givesmart.com. The auction is open from now until May 31. All proceeds from the winning bid will go to Riley.