Bald head, Mizzou shorts
Belated happy new year to everyone, and greetings from Room 356 West at Thornton Hospital. I’m back for round 1B of my Hyper CVAD regimen. If all goes to plan we’ll get started on chemo this afternoon and I’ll be here for a 4-5 day stay-cation. Here’s hoping all goes to plan.
I have a lot to be thankful for as 2012 begins, and a lot of thank you notes to write as I pass the time here for the next few days. Your greeting cards, text messages, emails, words of encouragement, and all around kindness and generosity are helping me to stay positive. For that, I am grateful.
And I’m feeling love and support, not only from my friends and family, but from people who don’t even know me! Let me elaborate…
Over the holidays I was exchanging emails with my buddy for life Brock DeKok. If your softball team needs a clutch 4-spot hitter, Brock’s your guy. And we’ve got the 2005 Mizzou Intramural Softball Championship T-shirts to prove it. Not to go all “Uncle Rico”, but I went like 4-5 in the championship game w/ 3 RBI, so it’s not like Brock was captaining a one-man team. But, I digress…
As a Christmas gift Brock got me a subscription to PowerMizzou.com, which is a perfect gift for a sports geek like me, as it’s completely dedicated to Mizzou sports and recruiting. The subscription came as a surprise, but what came next was an absolute shock.
From Brock:
When I was registering you up for the site, the publisher Gabe asked me why I was interested in signing you up for a membership. I briefly told him the situation, he let me know about this Tiger Claus program that they were doing this year. Basically he started a program to help fellow Mizzou fans during the holidays…people donated money or emailed him folks they knew who could use some extra support. I emailed him a short paragraph and found out today, you were one of three people they choose to help out. Basically they are going to be sending you a check this week. Use the money for whatever you wish…bills, food, your riding trip to BC next summer, etc. It was 100% anonymous…just a way for MU fans to help fellow Tigers.
Reading that email, I was completely dumbstruck. Anonymous Tiger fans want to help a guy they’ve never met before? Of all the causes and people in the world, they want to help me? Some random bald guy in San Diego? I was at a loss for words.
Sure enough, over the holidays I received an envelope from an unfamiliar friend in Columbia, MO.
Tyler,
Please accept this gift from the members of PowerMIZZOU and put it toward a good cause of your choosing.
Merry Christmas,
Gabe DeArmond
How amazing is that?
To Gabe, Brock, and the members of PowerMIZZOU: I am struggling to find words that adequately express my appreciation. I am so inspired and humbled by your support. Thank you, on behalf of my entire support group of friends and family that we call Team Tyler. Thank you, not just for thinking of me, but for everyone who you’ve supported through the Tiger Claus program. I will use the money to help with co-pays for my in-patient treatment. Today I will start round 1-B of chemotherapy and your support is helping me continue the fight. We’re scheduled for 8 rounds, so it’s gonna be a slug-fest. It’s good to know I’ve got friends at PowerMIZZOU in my corner. Thank you all.
Our adopted Team Tyler color is lime green. I would love to send some team bracelets for you guys to rock, if you so choose. Just let me know the best address and how many to send. Also, I’m still familiarizing myself with the site, but if I get up the courage to post in one of the forums, take it easy on me! My username is T_Wags01.
Thanks again. As always, it’s a great time to be a Tiger!
–T
GoTeamTyler 
How did I not know about this Missouri connection? People from Missouri ARE really special, or at least I’ve always thought so….this just proves it.
I know you will keep fighting. I am fighting for you from the sidelines….
Happy new year it is and will continue to be! That’s great news Ty. Keep smiling and continue staying positive and strong. Sounds like your eating real well with sis’ homecooking. Can’t wait to try those wraps. Tash did a great job on your haircut — looks perfect. Although now back to work (being off during the holiday was nice), if there’s anything I can do — I’m right around the corner, PLEASE just let me know — sincerely. Love and missing you, Monica & Brad
Awesome news. Brock told me about that last week. I just want to clarify that Brock does not run out ground balls. He’s more of a DH type, either hit a bomb or stand in the box basically the the equivalent of a cone…I just told him that at work and his reply was “superstars don’t run out ground balls, you can’t risk getting injured.”
Great to see the updates and you are doing great.
Sully
Yo T! Glad to see things are going well. Seems like you have a terrific team of docs, and an equally impressive team of family and friends. Consider me another drop in the bucket, and consider the bucket to be a planet, and consider the planet to be inhabited by people who think you are one of the raddest dudes they’ve ever known. Merry Christmas and happy new year. Love you buddy.
-davis
Tyler we saw your dad yesterday. We are now all proudly wearing our team tyler bracelets. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Hi to mom. Rich, kay & Corlan Vonderschmidt
Tyler, I just want you to know you have yet another booster for Team Tyler. I am Carol Kimbell, Ann Clark’s mom. I met you 15 years ago when Ann and Jason were getting married. Joyce told me about your site though Ann has also kept me updated. You certainly have a wonderful support system and you deserve it all! Carol Kimbell
Hey Mr. T.. Thinking of you and just wondering how you are doing. You are in my prayers. Hugs, M
Hi Tyler, We saw your Mom in church Sunday and we are now in the lime green circle of go team Tyler, and what a loving and prayerful circle it is. As far as any hitting on this team, the only hit I can make is with my chocolate brownies, batter up and in the oven. Nice photo shoot at least now your Dad has a little more hair than you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Carlene and Phil too
Hi guys, thanks for the continued encouragement.
@Martha: Mizzou class of ’05 and my sister lives in KC!
@Monica: I’m doing good Monic. Today is day 2 of a 3 day treatment this round. So far so good. tell Brad hi!
@Sully: sounds about right re: Brock’s anti-hustle
@Davis: Great to hear from you dude. Hope all is well with you! Any vegas trips in your future?
@Kay @Carol & @Carlene: Thanks for the prayers and positive energy! Keep it coming.
Fantastic surprise and very uplifting video. Leave it to the one and only — Tash! We are blessed to have her in our lives. And Tyler, you called me Monic….I love it! ONLY and ONLY family members drop the “a” — KEEP ON KEEPING ON…..YOU ARE DOING GREAT AND GOING TO BEAT THIS. YOU ARE FAMILY AND WE ALL ARE HERE FOR YOU AND LOVE YOU. MONIC & BRAD
-hi ty,brad here lousy typist!been reading everything and depending on MONIC to respond .she does a great job.jst saw vidio wth Clay ,cool!you keep fightiing.give Tosh a hug.luv u both!!!BRAD
Hi Tyler! Sounds like you have exactly the spirit needed to beat this disease. You have been in our prayers since we heard about your illness and you will stay there as you go through chemo and move toward healing. God bless and keep you strong! Jody and Peter Spalding (from First Pres in Lincoln)