Tyler’s birthday bash celebrated life of eight-year-old fighting cancer

By Marianne Mueller

REPORTER

Tyler Levine just celebrated his eighth birthday on July 16. This particular birthday proved to be extra special.

At age six Tyler was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma on Dec. 18, 2014. Levine endured radiation and Chemotherapy treatments. He finished his treatments in August of last year. In December he had a relapse and is being treated at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

Through Tyler’s journey the K Cancer Baseball NFP teams have shown enormous support.

“These are a fantastic group of kids who are a traveling baseball team. Two years ago the team decided to take on something more to reach out to others. The first time Tyler had cancer they stopped by the house.

In loving support they named him “First Teammate.”

“They wanted to do something to help,” said Tyler’s mom Alisha. Extending beyond the caring shown to Tyler the team has reached out to at least one dozen or more people facing cancer or those who were in need of a helping hand.

The K Cancer Baseball team recently won a Championship. “They have some really impressive coaches,” said Alisha.

Family, friends and the community celebrated in style with Tyler on July 23.

Settlers Park was home to loads of fun including games, face painting, a bounce house, snacks, cupcakes and Dairyhaus ice cream; everything needed to create the perfect party atmosphere.

Kids laughed and rolled around as they challenged each other to a game of Knockerball. DJ Julie Boggie kept energy and spirits high while spinning tunes. Boggie donated time and services that the event was extra memorable.

The K Cancer team gave Tyler an electronic set of drums complete with a headphone jack. This gift is just one of many to be cherished for years to come.

K Cancer Baseball NFP teams hosted a friendly competition.

With cheerful sirens blaring in the background excitement mounted as Pink Heals Winnebago County IL. Chapter, Guardians of the Ribbon, along with Rockton Police and Fire gave Tyler a surprise to last a lifetime! Police, firefighters and Pink Heals Guardians each greeted Tyler. Some presented him with special gifts. Everyone posted special messages by signing “Sherry” the Pink Heals fire truck.

Thirty-one people visited the Rock River Valley Blood Center bus where nearly all of a blood donation goal was reached. “Our goal was to have 40 units of blood donated. We figure that Tyler has received around this amount in the last year and a half, “said Tyler’s mom, Alisha. “We wanted to do something that would help other families who may be facing the same situation.”

Be the Match also took part in making Tyler’s day extra cool. Party guests and members of the public ages 18-44 had an opportunity to sign up to join the bone marrow registry in lieu of gifts for Tyler. If someone was unable to be at the party they may consider registering online at  www.rrvbc.org. Use Promo code KCANCERBALL.

The Dairyhaus gave away ice cream in exchange for donations to give in Tyler’s name; to be forwarded directly to the KCancerball team.

Party guests had a great time with Tyler and his family while making a difference in the lives of many!