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In 2013, I met Tyler through a mutual friend when he needed help navigating the medical board process with the Army. He had been diagnosed with Alpha-1 Anti-trypsin Deficiency, a rare genetic lung disease, that ultimately resulted in him being medically retired in 2014.
As a 100% disabled veteran with a medical retirement, his medication, medical appointments, and medical care was covered by TRICARE for Life, MEDICARE and the Veteran's Administration. Living expenses, food and personal assistance have always been out of pocket using his retirement pay.
Tyler lived with my husband & I off/on from 2016 - 2018, but as the disease progressed, he needed a more controlled environment. In January 2018 he moved into his first assisted living facility in Roanoke. In May 2019, he moved to Charlottesville, VA, to register with and qualify for the UVA Transplant program. Due to the strict nature of the program and the frequency of required testing, he moved into his second assisted living facility close to UVA. Both assisted living facilities were private pay which consumed 90% of his monthly retirement income for the past two years.
Tyler succumbed to his lung disease at the age of 36 on January 22, 2020, at UVA Medical Hospital after a two week hospitalization. Despite the health challenges, Tyler was quick-witted, had an incredible sense of humor, always had a smile to share and never met a stranger. He was an avid collector of Nike tennis shoes and men's cologne. He loved hip hop and country music, as well as a quiet afternoon fishing. He appreciated anything competitive to include video games, poker, shooting pool, playing dominos and basketball. He was a registered organ and tissue donor, believing in the importance of giving back however he could.
As a Veteran, he is eligible to be buried at a military cemetery at no cost, but there is a cost for cremation services, death certificates, transportation and settling his affairs. His mother was at his bedside for the 2 weeks leading up to his death and will have to remain in Virginia to settle his affairs for 2-3 additional weeks. Both of his parents are retired and living on disability income, so there is no extra money to cover the costs of cremation services, extended housing and transportation. Likewise, his sister and niece traveled to Virginia twice to be at his bedside, also incurring housing and transportation costs, as well as loss of income by taking time off without pay.
Tyler leaves behind three daughters under the age of 10, which he ensured will be taken care of through the military Survivor's Benefit Program, the VA Survivor Benefit Program and Social Security Death Benefits.
Tyler was known for the phrase 'I Got Your 6' -- so now it's time for us to take care of his 6. My husband and I invite family, friends, battle buddies and anyone else inclined to join us in meeting the financial needs of the family during this time of loss and transition.
Once all expenses are paid, any remaining funds will be donated to The Alpha-1 Foundation to continue the research in the fight against Anti-trypsin Deficiency.
One final request, would you follow Tyler's lead and consider being an organ and tissue donor. Giving the gift of life or helping medical research is a legacy worth leaving. Become an Organ Donor

Posted at 22:32h in TRF Grantee Children’s Stories0 Comments