Tyler, an active 19-year-old who enjoys spending time with his brother and sister, has overcome many immense challenges. At age 6, Tyler experienced persistent pain in his joints. He was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), a fast-growing cancer of the bone marrow and blood that often results in immune deficiency and pain in the bones and joints. For more than two years he underwent chemotherapy, and the cancer went into remission. Tyler relapsed at age 12 and again at 17. With the help of Akron Children’s Hospital and his sister, Chelsea, who was a perfect match, Tyler received a bone marrow transplant. Following the bone marrow transplant, Tyler was diagnosed with chronic graft-versus-host disease, a condition where the transplanted marrow recognizes the host’s marrow as foreign. Through all of these complications, Tyler never lost his strength. He graduated high school, takes online college courses and still finds time to play his guitar and enjoy recreational sports.
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06/25/2012
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2012 FAD Twitter Feed
Cheer for the All-Stars
- Children's hospital patients and their families are traveling from across the U.S. for the Children's Hospital Association's Family Advocacy Day, July 23-25, 2012. They will tell Congress about the importance of children's health care coverage and health issues. This site will feature a different participating child each week until the event. Leave a comment and cheer on our All-Stars for children's health!
About Family Advocacy Day
- In its eighth year, the Children's Hospital Association 2012 Family Advocacy Day brings patients from children's hospitals and their families to tell their stories to lawmakers on Captiol Hill. Find out more about Family Advocacy Day.
With All Our Might Policy Blog
- Check out our health policy blog With All Our Might. To contribute a blog post as a 2012 Family Advocacy Day participant, please contact Justin Beland at 703-797-6063.
- Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in individual posts are strictly those of the author(s) and in no way represent those of N.A.C.H. N.A.C.H. assumes no liability for the information therein and extends no implied or expressed warranty or guarantee of accuracy. The receipt of unsolicited ideas by N.A.C.H. does not obligate N.A.C.H. to keep these ideas confidential, nor does it obligate N.A.C.H. to pay the person who submits them.
© N.A.C.H. 2007
Tyler, you have been so strong and courageous through these past 14 years of your life and have taught so many how important it is to have faith in God and only through God can we have the strength to get through all of these struggles we face in life. I am so proud to be your mom and am excited to be a part of Family Advocacy Day with you this year! Love you, Mom
Posted by: Karen Froats | 07/16/2012 at 08:20 AM
Awesome article and great pic too. Tammy
Posted by: Tammy DeHoff | 07/16/2012 at 09:50 AM
Tyler you are truly an inspiration. Good luck in DC. I know you will do an amazing job representing all of the kids.
Posted by: Sharon | 07/16/2012 at 11:21 AM
Tyler, Our family thinks the world of you (and your family) and we are fascinated by your strength and faith as well as your kind heart and eagerness always, to be of help to everyone!!
Posted by: Kathy Hoose | 07/16/2012 at 11:59 AM
As I have shared with you before, Ty, you are a most amazing young man.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
I'm proud just to know you!
Posted by: Beverly Olson | 07/16/2012 at 12:04 PM
Hey Ty, I loved hearing your interview with your mom! You were both great. Praying you will have a powerful impact in Washington DC! You were created for such a time as this! May God bless and keep you and your family well! Love and miss you!
Posted by: Cheryl Cox | 07/17/2012 at 01:46 AM
Good luck on your trip to DC. I have no doubts that you will do a wonderful job representing the hospital. So proud of you for being a spokesperson.
Posted by: Aunt Salli | 07/17/2012 at 10:24 AM