At just 12 years old, Dashel Prywes has achieved something monumental—both literally and figuratively. In an inspiring display of determination, Dashel set a new Guinness World Record for the tallest magnetic tile tower, reaching an incredible 50 feet 8 inches tall! But for Dashel, this wasn’t just about breaking records—it was about raising awareness for a cause close to his heart: chronic childhood kidney disease.
Dashel suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), as he calls it “the unlucky lottery,” and has spent much of his life facing the many challenges that come with the condition. However, instead of letting his condition define him, he’s used it as motivation to make a difference for others. By embarking on this world-record attempt, Dashel aimed to draw attention to the realities of kidney disease in children, hoping to inspire others to join the fight for better treatment and support for those affected.
One Kid’s Dream
Dashel’s journey to the record books took over a year of planning, perseverance, and problem solving. What started as one kid’s dream to raise awareness for CKD by setting a world record, led to countless sketches, experiments, and ultimately triumph. As the weeks and months passed, Dashel’s infectious determination and creativity didn’t go unnoticed. MAGNA-TILES donations started pouring in, and support within his school and local community swelled. Soon, everyone was on Team Dashel!
The Big Day
On Monday, September 2nd, 2024 (Labor Day), the stage was set for history to be made. Friends, family and media poured into the GOAT Climbing Gym in Hackensack, NJ to witness something once thought to be impossible. A 50ft MAGNA-TILES tower? Could it even be done?
We were fortunate enough to be in attendance to celebrate Dashel and see the record-setting build ourselves. With each colorful layer, another chapter in Dashel’s story was being written. Here’s our firsthand account:
5ft, 10ft… With a sturdy base set, tiles with inspirational messages from attendees begin to dot the tower. It was evident that this wasn’t just about one kid, or even one build. This was about a community coming together for something even bigger. It was also evident that a simple ladder wasn’t going to be sufficient for much longer!
20ft, 25ft… Time to bring in the heavy equipment, in this case a Genie lift. With each click of a tile, the buzz around the venue became more and more palpable. The build is far taller than most homes, yet somehow, we’re only halfway there! The true scope of this young man’s undertaking is remarkable.
30ft, 35ft… Cheers of “Build On” erupt in the crowd, while Dashel’s younger brother August, construction hat and all, provides a rousing play-by-play livestream to supporters across the world. As the tower approaches 40ft, the Genie lift extends toward the sky and the crowd was ushered to the balcony.
40ft, 45ft… The feeling of an entire crowd holding their breath in anticipation is hard to describe, but impossible to forget. Game 7 of the World Series, bottom of 9th inning vibes. There was no turning back – it was time for history to be made.
50ft… Dashel did it! A world record is set and the unimaginable becomes reality right in front of our eyes. The proud smiles beaming on Dashel’s parents’ faces light up the room, as thunderous applause echoes throughout the GOAT Climbing Gym.
50ft (and 8 inches) … A slight wobble was followed by a gentle sway, followed by the most impressive crash of tiles you’ll ever see.
Fun Fact: In total, Dashel used almost 4,000 tiles to create a structure that stood tall against both gravity and the clock. To play our small role in this story, the MAGNA-TILES® team proudly donated all the tiles used in the record-breaking build. Following the event, all tiles were donated to local charities, so that other children could build on and bring their own dreams to life.
Inaugural “Gold Tile Award” Winner
To honor Dashel’s incredible achievement, the MAGNA-TILES team presented him with our first-ever Gold Tile Award.
This award honors individuals, young and old, who transform ordinary moments into extraordinary achievements, one MAGNA-TILES piece at a time. It recognizes visionaries who inspire communities, ignite curiosity, and prove that with courage and creativity, anything is possible. Moreover, the Gold Tile Award celebrates the boundless potential when someone chooses to Build On their dreams.
Even the Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, joined in to share his praise of this amazing achievement!
A Lasting Legacy
For all of us at MAGNA-TILES®, being part of this incredible achievement was more than simply celebrating a world record. Dashel’s dedication to others and his passion for creating positive change through play echo our own core values. At the heart of everything we do, we believe in Promoting Meaningful Play—play that is fun, engaging, experience-based, and child-led. Dashel’s record-setting tower exemplifies this mission, combining creativity, resilience, and compassion.
Dashel’s achievement represents the best of what the MAGNA-TILES® brand stands for. By encouraging children to explore their creativity, push boundaries, and use their imaginations, we hope to inspire a new generation of builders, dreamers, and problem-solvers. With Dashel’s record-breaking tower, we’re reminded that play is more than just fun; it can also inspire action, raise awareness, and bring a community together.
We couldn’t be prouder of Dashel and his accomplishments, and we’re honored to have played a small part in supporting his mission to raise awareness for chronic childhood kidney disease. His story serves as a beacon of hope for families affected by this condition, and his towering legacy will continue to inspire us all to think bigger, dream higher, and BUILD ON…and on…. and on.