After a couple infections, severe stomach cramps and hip pains, we took Tyler to the Emergency Room. We noticed his lymph nodes were really swollen and his arms and legs were badly bruised. After 2 complete blood count tests the doctor pulled us aside and gave us news that would turn our lives upside down. Tyler had leukemia.

He's finished with front line treatment but takes daily chemotherapy at home, weekly chemotherapy at home, monthly chemotherapy at his clinic and every three months has to endure a spinal tap with intrathecal chemotherapy to protect his spinal fluid and brain. He will have this treatment until April, 2013. He is the strongest 6-year-old I know and my hero.

Written by Kimberlee Armstrong, Tyler’s Mother
January 2011