Dribble for the Cure at Pauley Pavilion, as well as an update on my son
by insomniacslounge on Aug 31, 2009 2:22 AM PDT
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PrintBumped. We have said over and over and over again, how this place is a family. Time for all of us to step up and show we mean it by supporting our BN family. GO BRUINS. -N
Last year, Coach Ben Howland, former NCAA champion guard John Vallely, and the current UCLA basketball team held the inaugural Dribble for the Cure event at Pauley Pavilion to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA. The event saw 343 participants enjoy the festivities at Pauley and raised over $60,000 to fight children's cancer.
UCLA has recently announced that the basketball team will continue this new tradition Saturday, November 1, at Pauley Pavilion. Last year's festivities included prize giveaways and an autograph session with the entire team. I would expect them to do the same this year. I'd encourage anyone who can make it out to register for the event and spend a Saturday morning at Pauley Pavilion.
Even if you can't make it to campus, there are still ways to support this worthy cause:
I will be participating this November in honor of my son, Tyler, who (as many of you know) has been battling Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for two and a half years now. This summer has unfortunately been a very difficult one in which Tyler has had to confront many setbacks, including relapses in his central nervous system that required a reservoir to be implanted into his brain, some impairment of motor skills, Bell's palsy, and the migration of cancer cells into his bone marrow. This last event has necessitated a hematopoietic (blood) stem cell transplant. I am actually writing this post from his bedside at City of Hope, where Tyler has just completed his conditioning regimen comprised of total body irradiation and high dose chemotherapy. He is scheduled to receive stem cells from an unrelated donor this Tuesday. At that point, he'll have a whole new battle to deal with.
He will still be in isolation when Dribble for the Cure rolls around in November, but I (or a relative depending on the circumstances at the time) will be attending to get him an autographed ball from the team. If you would like to show your support for him with a donation, you may do so by visiting his pledge page at:
http://pcrf.kintera.org/ucladribbleforthecure/guttylittlebruin
I don't typically solicit funds on a fan blog. But as has been demonstrated repeatedly- this site isn't just about fandom. It's about family.
-Derek (UCLA, Class of '95)
P.S.- I should note that while cancer has ravaged Tyler's body, his spirit is still as strong as ever. He still makes me laugh every day. He still amazes me with something new every day. And he still dreams about playing hoops for the Mighty Bruins.
photo taken 08/30/09
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.
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Best of luck to you and Tyler
I went last year and it was a great event. I plan to be there and I hope others come out too. We should start a bruinsnations team for Tyler.
How can we get that going?
Also folks – if you are reading this post – don’t forget to recommend it.
A lil' more info on that
You can register a team at this link. A team requires at least 10 participants, and a captain will need to be named at the time of registration. I’d thought about going that route myself but wasn’t sure how well it would work logistically. But if someone else wants to head that up, go for it!
And of course a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has shown their support. Along with being a great cause that you’re supporting, you wouldn’t believe how much it helps me personally when I wake up in a dark hospital room (I’m always up a few hrs before Tyler these days), turn on the computer, and the first thing I see are these tremendous signs of support. Thank you so much.
by insomniacslounge on Aug 31, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I matched Nestor
Now, someone match me!
For a noble cause, and for our family…
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
by gbruin on Aug 31, 2009 5:47 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Can't let you young guys beat me
so I’m going back to donate a second time.
Didn’t see this thread before I did it the first time.
Greg — the second donation is because you helped us out during Ike, last year.
sjh
Also if anyone wants to keep the team going
Go for it … I can’t do it from few thousands miles away .. but I will help via online anyway I can.
Meanwhile, we will try to get insomniac match his goal!
DONE.
Haven’t posted as nearly as much as I normally do the past few weeks (work’s been a bear) but I’m happy to chip in a bit for the little guy.
Let’s go, BN — everybody that’s going to the game this Friday can eat a big lunch at home, skip out on a $8 burrito, a $3 bag of chips, and a $4 hot dog and throw down for one of the family!
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
We're pryaing for a recovery.
My wife, children and I will be praying for Ty and your family. We spent two years at the hospital bed side of my son, Angel, who was fighting the complications of severe prematurity-he made it. That setting of Ty’s picture looks eerily familiar. I could see that fight in his eye that I witness on many other children I met during those two years, a calm and understanding gaze that shows nothing will deter these little rascals-remember that. Godspeed to your little bruin and family.
by brewnz on Aug 31, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I've been a big fan of Tyler
ever since you posted that picture of him dancing with the cheerleaders. You could just see the joy your boy exudes.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My donation will soon follow.
HEC
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
by MexiBruin on Aug 31, 2009 1:14 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
2:26pm, and we're 1/3 of the way there.
Good so far, but keep it coming, Nation!
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
Get better soon!
Hang in there little guy.
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
I'm in
If I could donate to the Dump Dorrell ad (which I did), I damn well could donate to this much, much more worthy cause.
Tyler is a fighter and deserves all of our best wishes, love and support. As a fairly new father, his story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Please show your support, fellow Bruins.
Two places where you hope children never have to go...
… hospitals and courthouses.
Just re-read the post and my heart sank 3 feet at the phrase “total body irradiation…” My 1-year-old nephew had to go through an MRI, a CT scan, AND a freaking spinal tap a couple of months ago for a neurological disorder, and seeing a kid with that many leads in him is scary as hell.
Props and prayers to you and the family for toughing it out this far already.
Hang in there, be strong, and know that Tyler and the whole family are now getting added to my daily-traffic-commute rosary in the mornings.
May God or whatever power you believe in keep granting you with all the brighter days and stronger steps you guys can get.
BN’s got your back.
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
All kinds of smiles going on over here.
by insomniacslounge on Sep 1, 2009 1:54 AM PDT reply actions
Blessings to Tyler!!
I’m sorry to read that Tyler has relapsed. I’ll keep him in my prayers.
Please know that City of Hope is one of the best centers around. They saved my wife’s life (AML-auto BMT) in 2002. The people there are the best!
I may work with the Waves, but I'm still a Bruin!
Man, I love hearing stories like that
Well, maybe not the plot- but I love the ending!
by insomniacslounge on Sep 2, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
39 donors giving $2463 in 2.5 days
A-mazing!
by insomniacslounge on Sep 2, 2009 6:12 PM PDT reply actions
Tyler's the amazing one...
… followed closely by his family, bro. We’re just glad to help in even this small way.
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
Quick update and story
Tyler received his stem cells last night without any complications. His new immune system turns one day old today. It’s the first 100 days that are most critical, and he’ll be in the hospital for most of that time. But at least he’s off to a good start.
Quick story that I thought you’d enjoy. Yesterday, a teenage girl checked into the peds ward, and it turns out that she’s a big USC fan. When Tyler found this out, he responded by making a giant blue and gold UCLA banner and putting it on her door. Even at this young age, he knows that first you must heal the soul, and then the body will follow. :)
by insomniacslounge on Sep 3, 2009 12:33 PM PDT reply actions
Thanks for the good news, lounge.
Please continue to keep us posted if you’re up to it. We’re all pulling for Tyler.
And the story about the banner on the door? CLASSIC.
M
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
Great Update
Tyler now has a second birthday :)
Please wish him my best. The good thing is counts generally rise faster after a BMT than with chemo. At least, that’s what I’ve heard.
Email me if you ever have any questions. A lot of that stuff has changed since we went through it, but we have friends that did it more recently.
I may work with the Waves, but I'm still a Bruin!
Hang in there
Our son was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma a year ago. In March he was released from the City of Hope after a successful autologous stem cell transplant. The nurses and doctors there are the best! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So happy for you!!!
Thank you for sharing your story, Bruin mom. Hope to see you at a City of Hope reunion for many years!
by insomniacslounge on Sep 3, 2009 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions
If you don't mind my asking
How long was your son in the hospital post transplant before being released? Just wondering what some of the real life time frames have been. Although my son got an allogenic transplant w/ TBI, so I think we’re in for a longer haul.
I do agree tho, that the staff here is great.
by insomniacslounge on Sep 3, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions
How's it going?
Hope you will have a good week. My son was in the hospital 2 weeks after transplant day, but an autologous transplant results in a quicker recovery. Waiting for his counts to rebound was excruciating, but once they start to rise, you will be sending out for champagne! Remember, they have youth on their side and a positive attitude, as well as a wonderful support system. Will be thinking about you and Tyler.
It's going alright
Tyler’s hemoglobin and IgG were low this morning, so he got a red blood transfusion and some IVIg. Kinda crazy that those things seem like no big deal relatively speaking, but I’m sure you can relate.
Otherwise, we’re doing alright. Just hangin’ out playing computer games in a room about the size of my room in Canyon Point and sleeping in a pull out bed about as comfortable as sleeping outside of Pauley Pavilion….it’s like I’m in college all over again! :)
by insomniacslounge on Sep 4, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Canyon Pt in 91-2, Delta Terrace in 92-3, then back to Cyn Pt as an RA in 93-4.
I’m also sure that we must have seen each other camping out at Pauley Pavilion (tho perhaps we were different gates) from 91-5. But sadly, that’s become more and more of a blur over time.
by insomniacslounge on Sep 4, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep
I think I remember you dude!
I lived in Delta Terrace (B2) (91-2) and Canyon Point (A4) (92-3). Wow!
And no … it’s not becoming a blur. Let’s not let it be.
Tote board update
43 people with very big hearts donating a total of $2673 thus far.
Awe-inspiring.
by insomniacslounge on Sep 4, 2009 1:31 AM PDT reply actions
This has been
I have been sharing this link with friends (who are not really into blogging) to show why I love this place (and the people from my school) so much.
$3,000 is so close that ...
I went back in and made my third donation.
I am so inspired by Tyler, Insomniac, and the people here, and I feel so good about what we are all doing that I could think of no better way to start my day than to chip in again.
Go Tyler!
And, bless you, Insomniac for letting us be a part of this.
sjh
Class of 66
Your words and actions demonstrate why the word “class” is in your name.
I’m honored to be a part of this effort.
don't forget...
for those of you still in the LA area, join our dribbling team! you’ll get to attend the event and meet CBH and the team.
by UCLAbruin920 on Sep 10, 2009 9:10 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
if it’s alright with you, i’m going to send some UCLA alums who are interested in the cause but aren’t BN regulars over to the BN team.
by insomniacslounge on Sep 10, 2009 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions
update?
How are things going with your son? You have been in my thoughts. I know these past couple of weeks have been difficult for your family. Stay positive! The Bruin Nation team is behind you.
Things are going so much better now
A week ago, Tyler was in ICU and going through a very difficult period. It was absolutely heartbreaking to see everything he was dealing with. It’s amazing how much things have changed in just seven days. Now his counts are really good, his graft vs host symptoms are minimal and his spirits are great. His stamina is still pretty low and his Hickman line is very finicky, but we’ll gladly take those problems over what were dealing with before.
He’s on day +20 now. In 10 days, he’ll have a bone marrow biopsy to see how well the stem cells have engrafted. His docs are very optimistic right now, and so am I.
by insomniacslounge on Sep 22, 2009 3:29 AM PDT up reply actions
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