In June 2006, nine year old Tyler DeMarco was diagnosed at Albany Medical Center Hospital (NY) with Medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor.  After receiving additional opinions at Boston Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Hospital (respectively) Tyler became a patient of the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center under the St. Jude protocol for treatment of Medulloblastoma.  Courageously, Tyler underwent the delicate brain surgery necessary to remove the tumor, several weeks of physical therapy, six weeks of daily radiation, one year of aggressive chemotherapy and numerous blood transfusions.

Throughout his ordeal Tyler’s determination and positive attitude coupled with his outward expression of love and compassion influenced and inspired many lives. The community rallied in love and support.  After completing his treatments Tyler enjoyed eleven months of remission. Now armed with the knowledge of cancer’s devastation, Tyler initiated his selfless goals and declared …

“No kid should have to go through this!”
-Tyler DeMarco

Shockingly, in March 2009 the cancer returned entering the spinal cord and other areas of the brain. Treatment options had run out until a frantic search discovered a newly opened “phase one” clinical trial being conducted at St. Jude (Memphis, TN). Tyler was immediately accepted.

Tragically, after two months of treatment Tyler’s cancer continued to spread. Tyler died eleven months later on February 23, 2010.