In Need of a Miracle

It was several years into Tony and Anne Jessee’s marriage before Anne became pregnant and gave birth to a healthy, bouncing baby boy. “Oh, he was the apple of his mom and dad’s eye,” says Janice Turner, Tony’s sister, remembering when baby Tyler was born in April 1992. Tyler was your typical child – he ran and played, enjoyed church activities at Trinity United Methodist, and discovered a passion for writing, even having poems chosen for the publication “Expressions II: League of American Poets”. “He loved school,” says his aunt Janice. “Tyler wanted to learn, he loved learning. He was always working hard on his homework. He was so curious, he left no stone unturned.” During a vacation to Ontario in the summer of 2004, Tyler suddenly became very ill - so ill in fact, he had to be hospitalized in Canada. After several tests, doctors finally determined that he had diabetes. Almost immediately, he and both his parents began to research the disease. Before long, Tyler knew every aspect of his illness and how to manage it, which he did exceptionally well for a growing boy. Tyler seemed to be doing well until one day in April 2005 when he came home from school complaining of pain in his shoulder and arm. “It was hurting him, but initially Tyler and his parents just figured that he had over-exerted himself in gym class,” remembers Janice. “But when it started to get numb, doctors started running tests.” The results showed that Tyler had a tumor growing on his neck and spine. The devastating news sent the family to Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, where they spent several months. Soon after the first surgery doctors performed to remove the tumor, Tyler got to go home. He was eager to begin homebound classes until he got well enough to go back to school. “We all thought everything was fine. We thought he was going to be okay after that first surgery,” says Janice. But a mere six to eight months later, doctors discovered another tumor growing on the lower portion of Tyler’s spine. The little boy braved it through another round of radiation and an additional surgery –that occurred on the same day his fellow classmates were receiving their diplomas and graduating from the eighth grade. It wasn’t long after the second surgery, that doctors discovered another tumor growing on the right side of his neck. The tumor was inoperable and radiation wouldn’t help reduce its size. Even after an intense round of chemotherapy the tumor hadn’t shrunk. So in September, the family decided to participate in a clinical trial program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. But everything doctors there tried proved ineffective, and after only a few weeks Tyler’s parents were told the grim news that there was nothing else the children’s hospital could do for their little boy. Only two weeks ago, Tyler was transferred to Westlake Regional Hospital so he could be close to home, family, and friends. According to Janice, since that time, Tyler’s health has steadily declined. The little boy that once enjoyed going to church functions and school, now only sleeps in his hospital bed. The disease has robbed the youngster of his ability to move and even talk, leaving his parents as the only ones who can decipher his occasional whisper. When asked how his parents and family are coping, Janice says, “It hits us at certain times. We sit and cry and talk, then we get up and do what we have to do until we find ourselves again crying and talking. We just take it one hour, one step at a time.” Tony and Anne refuse to leave the bedside of their beloved son and have set up a family room near Tyler’s hospital room for family and friends that visit. “Anne is very careful not to let visitors in to see him, because he really needs quiet. When he wakes up, he’s only in pain. “We want to thank Westlake Hospital for all they’ve done for Tyler,” says Janice on behalf of the family. “Their kindness has just been overwhelming. We appreciate all of the doctors, nurses, and staff for all their help during this.” Recently, WAIN radio station held a “card drive” for Tyler. Janice reports that Anne has saved all the cards in a large box that is almost full. “Tony, Anne, and Tyler really appreciate all the cards and especially all the little notes written to him. He used to love reading notes people would send to him.” “He’s quite a young man,” says Janice, holding back tears. Even during Tyler’s illness, he continued to pray for others in hopes of easing their sadness. This Saturday, Trinity United Methodist Church will be holding a benefit for Tyler and his family to assist in paying medical expenses. The chili/soup supper will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the William R. Davenport Family Life Center. A gospel music concert will begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Donations for the family can be made the night of the benefit, given to any church member, or dropped off at the church between 8 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday through Thursday. Below are two poems Tyler has written.