Tyler’s Journey

It’s hard to describe just how wonderful it is to personally know Tyler, but to know him is such a blessing. Tyler is a husband to his beautiful wife Monica. They both live in Texas with their sweetheart dog Maggie. Tyler is a young man that inspires positivity, loves with all his heart, cares with intensity, and would help anyone in need! Tyler's strong faith in Jesus keeps him focused positively on living with a brave fighter mentality. He can make you feel better when he is the one who is suffering.

Tyler was diagnosed at age 8 with an extremely rare genetic disorder called Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL). This disease is a gene mutation that causes the body to develop tumors and cysts that can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Surgical interventions are necessary depending on where the tumor is located and how problematic it is. Tyler has had several eye surgeries, major brain surgery, and a partial nephrectomy (partial removal of the kidney) due to a renal cell carcinoma, making it his first cancerous tumor.

Most recently, Tyler went through 2 major surgeries involving a cancerous tumor located in his right sinus cavity. Although this tumor was a little over an inch, it was a Monster! MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, has some of the best doctors that deal with VHL and surgeons in various specialties working together to help VHL patients. Tyler was their first VHL patient to deal with this tumor and the rare type of cancer it is. An ENT started this surgery that led to a 6-hour fight. It was extremely vascular, gaining its main blood supply from the carotid artery. He received three units of blood and 98% was successfully removed. The 2% remaining of the tumor would require a neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon had to cut along Tyler’s hairline from ear to ear, folding down his forehead to gain access to the tumor! He successfully removed the 2%, and Tyler was in extreme pain afterward. However, he went to each surgery with a smile and came to recover with a smile. He is truly the bravest person I know! After he is done healing from these surgeries, he will need some radiation to make sure the cancer cells are destroyed.

This has been a very big financial strain on Tyler and Monica. He is a hard worker; however, the amount of trauma his body sustains requires recovery with no income. He is not able to return to his work without restrictions until the end of May 2025. He has not received any short-term disability pay. Please join us in helping this young couple by supporting them financially. Tyler’s journey doesn’t stop. There is no remission or cure for VHL. We also appreciate prayers! In supporting Tyler, you will help him not to worry about bills or not being able to work right now!

A young man faced with many hardships in life radiates joy and hope is rare! That is Tyler!

Thank you so much for your support and prayers!