After many visits to the ER within the last month for severe chest pain and discomfort, my baby sister, Tyra, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia while on maternity leave for her 1 and a half month old baby girl, Scottie.

Tyra and her husband, Jon, welcomed Scottie after 5 and a half years of trying to conceive and finally succeeded after 2 rounds of IVF. This diagnosis has turned what should be a joyful time into an incredibly challenging time for their family. 

Tyra has a long road of treatment ahead. She started her first round of chemotherapy on Friday 3/27/2026 – and not even 24 hours after learning of her diagnosis her and Jon packed up and left for Indianapolis. Tyra will be receiving aggressive chemotherapy for at least four weeks in Indianapolis with Jon by her side every step of the way.

 

Even after this initial treatment, she'll need to return for further inpatient treatments every couple of weeks once she's in remission. Both Tyra and Jon will be off work for an extended period of time, which understandably is a huge financial strain, especially with a newborn baby. The money raised will help cover medical costs, travel expenses, their mortgage, and supplies for baby Scottie. In turn, this will allow them to focus on Tyra's health and caring for their daughter.

You never really expect something like this to hit so close to home until it does. During a time when a new mother should be at home enjoying precious moments with her newborn, Tyra has had to abruptly leave home and Scottie to begin her cancer treatment. After everything Tyra and Jon went through to have Scottie, this is especially heartbreaking. Any support you can give-whether it's a donation or sharing this fundraiser – would mean the world to our family and allow Tyra and Jon to focus on her health and being the parents they have always wanted to be and more importantly, deserve to be.