Funeral for Tyler Falk & Supporting Erika

On August 16th, 2023, I received a text message from my friend Tyler. I had been waiting for him to return from his honeymoon with his beloved wife Erika.

"hey, prayer request....

I'm being rushed to Vancouver general because I have blood cancer and have blood clots. supposed to start chemo tonight

I'll send more details later"

Tyler began experiencing symptoms as soon as his honeymoon started. Upon their return, he was feeling worse, and after waking up with shortness of breath, he and Erika went to a walk-in clinic. Tyler was immediately sent to a hospital, where, after vigorous testing, an ambulance picked him up, and with sirens blaring and lights flashing, he was rushed to Vancouver General Hospital to begin chemotherapy for blood cancer. A normal White Blood Cell count is 4-10, Tyler's was 550.

Their life derailed, Tyler and Erika began a 10 month journey, with their families and church community walking with them step by step, test by test. Erika began logging a detailed account you can read here: Tyler's Leukemia Updates

An excruciating bone marrow biopsy determined that Tyler had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL). Chemo began, so did a constant diet of varying drugs. Blood thinners, scans, lumbar punctures, biopsies, etc, is what their lives became. For every step forward there seemed to be another step or two back right around the corner.

The only cure for this cancer is a transplant. Tyler was constantly exhausted, nauseous, spiking fevers, and more. Doctors were not hopeful. Yet despite the grim news and pain, he remained faithful and hopeful, trusting in God and encouraging others. After 67 days as an inpatient he was discharged to try outpatient life. I was able to see Tyler during this short respite. He was grateful...to God, to his family, to his church, and for Erika who was exceedingly devoted to caring for him. Outpatient life lasted 14 days until he was readmitted and began his fourth round of chemo in only 4 months.

After more intense chemo, and Total Body Irradiation (TBI) treatments, Tyler received his transplant on Dec 24. It was a special Christmas.

January was an optimistic month with improvements, February was stable, and in March, after concerning results, it was confirmed that the Leukemia was back. The doctors began preparing the family for the worst.

The earlier listed link has significantly more information. The news through the following months was painful. May concluded with a report that Tyler had days to live. Surrounded by his wife and family, day after day Tyler continued to hold on. The medical staff in hospice were remarkable and the family was daily with him. Tyler had a constant stream of friends and relatives visiting, his church family was constantly there. He made jokes, prayed, listened as people shared and he was himself. He shared what he was thinking, feeling, and experiencing. He was the Tyler you knew and love. His wife Erika, and his parents Ron and Christina were attentive to his needs, bringing him comfort.

On Sunday, June 16th, at 10:36am, Tyler died. Before he passed he made sure his family and Erika were okay, reassuring them that he was.

This Gofundme is set up on behalf of Erika Falk and Tyler's family. Tyler did not want a GFM set up for himself, he was open to the idea of it for Erika. I hope that together we can make sure Tyler's wish for Erika to be taken care of happens. The goal is to cover all funeral and associated costs, as well as to give Erika a cushion to cover all her bills so she can grieve without financial burden or concern. There has been an overwhelming amount of you that expressed a desire to help, but aren't sure how or where to do that. Please consider these ways you can help: