In March 2024, Tyler was playing footy for his local team when he suddenly started limping. His parents assumed that he had been injured in a tackle or had a strain, and he was taken off the field.

After multiple doctor’s visits and some abnormal bloods, he was rushed to the Emergency Room. Tyler was diagnosed with osteomyelitis in his pelvis - a nasty bone infection.

That news brought temporary relief as they now had a roadmap to get him back on track, even though there was still confusion about how he developed the infection.

A few weeks on from his hospital visit, Tyler’s bloods were still abnormal and his walking was not improving. An x-ray raised some concerns, and his doctors made the call to conduct a bone marrow biopsy to rule out a few possibilities.

On the 26th of June 2024, Tyler’s family received “the worst news imaginable” that turned their world upside down…

Tyler was diagnosed with pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

This brave young man was admitted to hospital immediately to start his 2-year treatment plan, which involves surgery to insert a central line as well as regular IV chemotherapy, steroids, lumbar punctures, oral chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

He was wheelchair bound for 5 months, but with physiotherapy and regular exercise at home, as well has his own amazing strength of will and his family’s encouragement, Tyler managed to walk again.

Prior to his diagnosis, Tyler was always on the move and involved in many sports including Rugby, Oztag, and athletics, so it’s fair to say that life looked very different during this time.

Thankfully, Tyler is now thriving in the maintenance phase of treatment. He’s had his central line removed and is attending fortnightly check-ups at the clinic with his oncology team. Tyler is now back at school full-time and is able to enjoy swimming, playing sports, holidaying in the caravan, and riding his bike with his brothers again.

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