Tanner Lyons' life is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and transformation, marked by a journey from trauma to healing. Born into a world of instability and abuse, Tanner’s early years were filled with constant turmoil. Moving frequently between family members who struggled to provide safety, he endured years in homes defined by violence, particularly at his father’s house, where physical and emotional abuse became a constant reality.

When Tanner was placed in foster care, it seemed like a possible escape. But instead, he found himself in a series of group homes, boys' homes, and mental institutions that only deepened his trauma.

Eventually, he began running away from these institutions, choosing life on the streets over the violence he faced in so-called “safe” homes. Homeless at times, Tanner survived under bridges and in cars, finding a sense of independence in the streets that he couldn’t find elsewhere. His spirit of defiance helped him endure, and by the age of 18, he was ready to leave homelessness behind and start building a life. Over the years, he grew from a survivor into a devoted father, raising children with love and stability and determined to give them the happy childhood he had never known.

Alongside the challenges of his past, Tanner carried an additional physical weight, reaching 300 pounds and maintaining that weight for over 20 years. It was during this period that his faith journey took root. When his oldest son was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, Tanner reached a breaking point. One night, after his son’s heart-wrenching plea to end his suffering, Tanner turned to prayer, vowing to devote his life to God if his son could be healed. In a profound moment, his son found relief, and Tanner’s faith journey began.

However, his path of faith was not without its own trials. In his late 30s and early 40s, Tanner faced a period of lost faith, burdened by unresolved trauma and life’s challenges. This time of doubt eventually gave way to a rebirth of faith, and at 44, he was diagnosed with Complex PTSD, finally putting a name to the pain he had endured for decades. With the support of his wife of 28 years, Tanner embarked on a journey of healing and transformation. Determined to reclaim his health as well, he shed 100 pounds, a physical transformation that mirrored his inner growth.

Out of these experiences, Tanner founded Mission Ascending Phoenix, a Christian-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals as they overcome trauma and raising awareness about C-PTSD. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all resources, Mission Ascending Phoenix takes a personalized approach, guiding each individual to find the tools and support that best suit their unique journey. With a focus on fostering understanding, Tanner’s mission emphasizes raising awareness of complex trauma and providing hope to those who feel isolated by it.

Today, Mission Ascending Phoenix is a beacon of compassion, helping individuals navigate their own paths toward healing. Through workshops, personalized guidance, and faith-centered support, Tanner’s story of resilience serves as both an example and a source of hope for those struggling to rise from their own trauma. Driven by his experiences and a renewed sense of purpose, Tanner is dedicated to helping others find healing, awareness, and faith as they overcome the challenges of trauma.