When he was 15 years old, we noticed that his facial color had turned yellow. We had seen jaundice before in our infants and we immediately knew something was wrong. We rushed him to the ER, where they drew blood and made a determination that this was some form of unusual Hepatitis. The puzzling irregularity of the diagnosis was that there were no external risk factors present. This was a type of liver induced Hepatitis where the liver was failing to produce the body's necessary proteins.

Two weeks ago, at 38 years old, he was admitted into the ICU at the University of Texas Medical Center, where it was determined that he now had Stage C Cirrhosis, Hepatitis, and was in extensive liver failure. He was 6'1", 139 lbs., hemorrhaging, retaining fluid in the abdomen, and the yellow jaundice had once again completely engulfed his physical persona. We eventually learned that for the last three years, he had been in liver decline and now it had come to a full reckoning. He was so weak that he could not communicate, eat, or even move himself in the bed. The initial shock of seeing him for the first time, after his mother and I flew in from Atlanta Ga., was sheer disbelief and agony beyond description. We prepared ourselves for the worst; our son could probably die. We remained by his side in those dark hours rubbing his fevered brow and feeding him ice chips as he would nod toward his hospital cup. The moments were excruciating.

Today, through Faith in God, the miracle of medicine, a strong family support system, and his unique brand of determination, he is fully mobile, craving McDonalds, and is even joking around by quoting funny lines from movies he loves. It appears that death will have to wait on Ty Ty. However, his battle is just beginning...

In the next 6 months, he will require a liver transplant to finish out his days on this planet. This will require bi-weekly treatment of Ascites and draining fluid from his abdomen, a rigid and restricted diet, and a balancing of symptoms that will continually try to spiral out of control. His "learning to adapt" but determined family, will remain by his side, no matter the cost, no matter how long. The plan at present is that his mother and I will re-locate from Ga. to Tx. to serve his necessary condition and to be with him around the clock until can sustain a measure of viability.. His siblings, who have been a vital part of his recovery, will alternate duties as they are able. We are also in the process of applying for any and all assistance to help in this process as he will be unable to work and we are making initial contacts with specialized liver transplant hospitals in Dallas Tx and Virginia. The financial cost will be extensive and hence the need for outside support.

For those of you who know him, you will understand what I mean when I say that He is the world's best friend and one of the greatest compassionate hearts who ever existed in time and space. Now it will require the world to help him finish his journey. Thank you all for the love and compassion that you will show.

We love you and can't thank you enough for the love and support you have shown our Tyler!

The Balltzglier Family