MORGANTOWN — Tyler Timmons-McCormick was having recurring headaches.
In November, the 13-year-old went to the doctor, who ordered an MRI. That test showed a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball.
A 12-hour surgery at WVU Hospital Children’s removed the tumor.
But, pathology received a week later confirmed what his family feared. Tyler had cancer.
Specifically, Medulloblastoma, which St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital describes as a cancerous tumor that starts at the base of the skull.
Tyler now faces chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Doctors expect the treatments will give him a 75 percent to 80 percent chance at remission.
To alleviate the stress of hospital bills and Tyler’s parents missing work, Justin Power and his wife, Debbie Ruiz, decided to put together a fundraiser for the family.
“Help Tyler Tackle Cancer” will be from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 12 at Mountain Mama’s, 1137 Van Voorhis Road, Morgantown.
Power said the response from the community has been overwhelming. Power said his daughter goes to school with Tyler and Tyler’s twin sister.
“I think we’ve already generated a lot of interest and I think that it’s going to be a lot more successful than I had anticipated when I began this,” he said.
Mountain Mama’s offered space for the fundraiser, allowing for all proceeds from food and drink sales to go to the family. In addition, there will be a silent auction with a number of items donated by local businesses.
A number of great items are available to be bid on, and Power said more things come in every day.
Chestnut Brew Works, The Grind and even the Pittsburgh Steelers have donated to the cause. Bidders can also put in for a one-week stay in a condo in Pawleys Island, S.C.
“Sometimes, I think we need to step back and realize what an amazing community we’re actually living in, because a lot of times we get really caught up in the day-to-day turmoil, but as soon as you start to reach out in this community people are just absolutely there to reach back,” he said.
Bidders don’t have to be present to win, but can also spend the evening having drinks and food for a good cause. People who can’t make it to the fundraiser but would like to donate can visit Tyler’s GoFundMe page.
This is the first fundraiser the Powers have put together, but they are confident it will be successful.
Local businesses can still donate by contacting the Powers through the event page on Facebook.
“I’ve had so many people express concern and love and prayers and everything else,” he said.
Updates on Tyler are available on his GoFundMe page.
He’s is in physical therapy and his spinal tap is negative for cancer. He will soon start chemotherapy and radiation.
Check out the Help Tyler Tackle Cancer Facebook page or contact jupower@mix.wvu.edu for more information.
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