Give a SUPERHERO a Cape! Tyler Tallent

Dear Friends and Family,

It is with mixed emotions filled with anxiety, fear, pride and optimism that we reach out for support to assist the Tallent family as Tyler, age 15, faces the most difficult surgery he has faced in his short life.

Tyler, with the love and support of family always by his side, has faced complex medical challenges head-on since age 5. Currently, he is preparing to face a complex surgery to alleviate the impact of severe scoliosis. The procedure to address this is complicated by abnormal blood flow into the spinal cord and the presence of a lipoma in his spinal cord. This requires multiple surgeons to work together to best remedy Tyler’s condition. The procedure presents a high risk of paralysis and neurological damage. They are faced with no alternative because to do nothing would mean that Tyler’s internal organs will begin to compress, consequently affecting his breathing and further back issues with debilitating pain.

To know Tyler is to know a brave and amazing superhero who, despite full awareness of all the risks, has asked to move forward with the procedure. Typical of his age he enjoys many interests like playing trumpet for his school band, RC cars and essentially anything related to cars. To no one's surprise, Tyler has sought a job and is employed to take apart computers and recycle the parts. Tyler is amazing, strong, resilient and fearless. He is motivated by the opportunities that await.

Tyler’s medical journey began when, at age 5, doctors discovered that he had fibrous dysplasia in his right leg. At that time, x-rays also revealed evidence of a lipoma developing inside the spinal cord and it was compressing the cord. Tyler endured surgery to prevent paralysis but they were only able to remove a portion of the lipoma. Additionally, he underwent two separate procedures to treat the fibrous dysplasia. In 2018, Tyler and his family made the difficult and life-altering decision to amputate his leg. While the prosthesis was a blessing, Tyler incurred complications in recovery from that procedure that unveiled high blood pressure that was the result of aorta stenosis. While for a time they could manage this through medication, in December 2021 Tyler lost feelings in his lower extremities and a few months later he suffered an aortic aneurysm. Tyler again faced surgery to replace his aorta. During recovery, the family learned that one of Tyler’s kidneys had failed due to a lack of blood supply via a vessel to the kidney which had stenosis as well.

The road ahead will include many doctors' appointments in preparation and an extended hospital stay of up to two months for Tyler for recovery. The medical team is located in Gainesville, Florida which is 3 hours from home. Wes, Michelle and Tyler’s younger brother Patrick will be by his side while simultaneously endeavoring to maintain some stability and life’s other responsibilities.

Please consider a donation, in any amount, that will help to alleviate the financial pressures of medical bills, transportation, food and housing in Gainesville. While faced with this complicated event, we are confident that Tyler will overcome it to realize his dreams of traveling to the Northeast and visits to the Smithsonian.

With love and appreciation for your support.