Meet Tyler Pollard, my 28 y/o nephew, born & raised in Lakeland, FL. He was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that causes progressive lung damage, making it harder and harder to breathe as the years go by. He’s a foody, with a quick wit, kind soul and always a prank up his sleeve. He enjoys family, dogs, watching movies & sports in the stands or at home and spending time with friends.

He grew up with a daily routine that required him to sit for an hour each morning and night with his nebulizer & ‘the vest’ - a machine that shook his chest to break up the thick mucus in his lungs. He and the machine always travelled together. Still, bacteria would get trapped in his body which lead to persistent lung infections, then lead to hospital stays at John Hopkins All Children’s in St Petersburg (over an hour from home). And because CF also impacts the digestive system, leading to malnutrition; medications were many, including enzyme supplements with every snack & meal. Despite everything life threw at him, he remained courageous, positive, and endlessly optimistic.

But by 2020, his lungs had declined, making the most mundane of daily tasks nearly impossible. He found hope at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC where he was put on the transplant waiting list. He, his mother, brother & 2 dogs uprooted and moved 700 miles away from home in anticipation of receiving a new set of lungs. As Covid gained steam & his friends graduated college, Tyler, at 23 y/o , received his first double lung transplant.

His 1st complete lap post-surgery! 400 feet!!

After a long recovery & a lot of physical therapy, he was able to finally breathe … freely and easily! The transplant raised different issues; but at least there were no more daily ‘vest’ and nebulizer treatments, hospital stays, or shortness of breath!

He got to go home, and . . . finally enjoy life!

Now, just five years later, he’s facing an even steeper climb: he needs another double lung transplant and a kidney transplant.

Recently, Tyler began struggling to breathe. After several trips to Duke, he was diagnosed with Restrictive Allograft Syndrome (RAS)—a progressive form of chronic lung rejection that has caused his rapid decline. Unlike acute rejection, RAS is much harder to treat, and time is critical.

The incredible transplant team at Duke is preparing to add Tyler to the transplant waiting list. This requires him to remain in Durham for close monitoring, intensive physical therapy four days a week, and immediate preparation for surgery when organs become available.

This sudden shift has turned Tyler’s life upside down. Both he and his mom had to leave their jobs to prioritize his care. They are currently staying with friends in Durham until they can find stable housing near the hospital. Once they secure a place, Tyler’s younger brother and beloved dogs will once again join them from Florida, so they can all be together during this fight.

This is where I am asking for your help.

I would like to see this campaign raise enough funds to cover:

• Housing near Duke University Med Ctr so Tyler can stay close to his medical team

• Basic living expenses since both Tyler and his mom are unable to work during this time

• Travel and moving costs to reunite Tyler’s brother and dogs with him in Durham

• Support during his recovery after transplant

Every donation—big or small—helps lift some of the weight off this family’s shoulders and gives Tyler the stability he needs to focus fully on healing. He continues to show incredible strength and grace through every challenge. His humor and positivity shine even on the hardest days. We are so proud of his fight, and want to give him the best chance at this next chapter of life.

Please consider donating or sharing Tyler’s story. Together, we can help him breathe easier once again and surround him with the love and support he needs on this next part of his journey. #TeamTyler

With gratitude,

Angie Sundstrom/Tyler's Family