INDY PROUDLY PRESENTS:
JANUARY WARRIOR: TYLON REETZ
On Friday, August 17th, 2018 the Reetz family lives were forever humbled and changed. Tylon was diagnosed with leukemia in the local ER and was transferred by ambulance to the Oncology unit at Abbott Northwestern. The news came as a total shock. It was discovered from abnormal white blood counts, along with results from a CT Scan showing a very enlarged spleen. Tylon had not been feeling the best throughout the summer, but the pain in his stomach and lack of appetite had progressed over the course of the week prior. That prompted a visit to the ER. On Saturday, August 18th they prayed while they waited for tests to determine the kind of leukemia he was battling. The most critical test was a bone marrow biopsy. Since it was the weekend, special orders were pushed through so they could get the results back ASAP. On Sunday, August 19th it was confirmed that Tylon had CML-Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in the blast crisis phase. A slowly progressing and uncommon type of blood cell cancer that begins in the bone marrow. He remained in the hospital for the next six days, while also beginning his chemo treatments in pill form. Before coming home, they met with many doctors and began working on their plan of attack. This included continuing the oral chemo pills daily, along with weekly blood draws. They were then referred to The University of Minnesota for a bone marrow transplant consult. On September 20th, they met with the University and discussed the options they had. The doctors presented them with the news that Tylon did indeed need a bone marrow transplant and they wanted to do it as soon as they could. Unfortunately, neither of Tylon’s sisters were a match for his bone marrow transplant. Siblings are almost always tested first. However, there is only a 1 in 4 chance that they would have been a match. They also discovered Tylon has a very rare blood type, that a very small percentage of the population has. The University assured them that they were going to continue looking for the perfect match. A few days later, God answered their prayers again and not only did they find one match, but they found two matches for Tylon. Which they stated is also very rare. The doctors call the bone marrow transplant the “gold standard” because it is considered the best “golden” option. Tylon is scheduled to start the transplant process February 5th. He will then be hospitalized for extensive chemotherapy and radiation. Tylon is required to live within 30 miles of the University of MN and also have a constant care taker (Ashley, his wife) for the following 100 days. They have chosen to rent a fully furnished apartment that is within blocks of the Hospital. They will have many weekly and daily appointments following the transplant. This was the only option in their eyes, as its the only way they are able to keep their precious 3 year old daughter, Reagan with them. Tylon and family remain very optimistic at this point and continue to pray for a successful outcome.
During the month of January, a portion of the proceeds from shopping INDY Gear and Apparel will go directly to Tylon and his family. Shop now and be sure to mention his name in the comments section at checkout.
