8-year-old Tyler is always laughing, dancing, and telling funny stories, and he’s been so strong since day 1 of his cancer journey.

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.

Unfortunately, that was just the start. It kept happening on and off for a few weeks until he slowly began feeling pain every time he walked.

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 has also had countless other pokes, prods, and procedures… a number of which have required general anaesthesia.

Since his diagnosis, Tyler has spent over 100 nights in hospital away from his family and missed countless days of school, birthday parties, and even the chance to swim in the new family pool that was completed just before his diagnosis.

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.

During intensive treatment, when he was able to be at home, he had some relatively normal days but also some where 38-degree fevers led to immediate 2-day hospital stays with antibiotics to prevent infection.

It’s been a difficult journey for Tyler and his family, but it has also made Tyler’s parents prouder than ever of their incredible son. They told us, “We marvel at the grace with which he has gone through this entire process… he never stopped smiling and pushed through.”

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.

For the next 12 months, Tyler will be on oral chemotherapy. He will then finish treatment and be closely monitored for the following 3 years.

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.

As well as playing footy, he LOVES watching his favourite footy team the Parramatta Eels every week on TV.

His parents are adamant that “no child should endure what Tyler has endured.” It means the world to them that you’re riding to give kids with cancer the best possible outcomes.

Thanks to modern research and fundraising, Tyler’s leukaemia has a positive prognosis with a high cure rate. Tyler and his family are looking forward to a bright and happy future ahead, and wish the same for all kids and families affected by this disease.

Tyler, you’re a massive inspiration… we’re riding for you this October!