February 23rd Update

It is hard to believe that this time last year, my family's life was forever shaken. Tyler is now recovering so well, that small glimpses of his illness can only be caught if you really look for them. He is still on his feeding tube at night, but his appetite, energy, and boyish ways have return to their pre-Leukemia level.

When I look back on things, and reflect on all that we have been through, I feel that this test has made us all stronger people. We have drawn comfort from each other, and are now even more thankful for the little things that life has to offer. To simply be able to go to the mall, or a restaurant, is now an activity that we no longer take for granted. The freedom from the confines of the hospital, to a more relaxed outlook on Tyler's recovery. The daily stress of worrying about the extremes of Tyler's illness, has now become a shadow of our day, yet this worry will never truly subside. We have been made more aware that illness can happen at any point, and to take everyday as it comes.

Tyler has experience the loss of his first tooth. He was very excited to call and tell me all about his loss and to inform me that he wanted the Tooth Fairy to leave him some cash but to leave his tooth. When I suggested that he should perhaps leave her a note, he interjected that he intended on writing her an email at www.toothfairy.com!

Tyler has been asked to be the poster boy for the "Walk the Night" fundraiser in September for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. As our team came in first place for fundraising with Tyler at its helm, I am sure that the Society has made a great choice in representing this worthy cause.

This evening, Tyler and Mark have gone to the Bell Center to witness Tyler's first Canadien's game. Tyler received these tickets from Randy Tieman and was hoping to see him at the game. He suggested that perhaps he could call me in the midst of this event, to give me an update on things. I have yet to hear from him, as I am sure that he is mesmerized by his grandiose surroundings.

A trip to Mexico is in the works for the Wallis and Roach families. Nanny is also planning to join them on this much needed vacation. Clearly, a restful week is much deserved.

Please continue to pray for health for Tyler. We are aware that relapses are very common, but hope that we can dodge some bullets along Tyler's journey. We have come a long way in the last year, and are especially thankful for all of you who joined us on this extremely agonizing nightmare.

Tyler has been given a month off from hospital visits, but is still in need of attending occupational therapist appointments. His hair has grown back, dark and curly. Glenna and I have started to call him our Armenian nephew, as his hair and skin colour resembles that of an Armenian. His sense of humour, although never quieted, has come back to us in full effect, with his silly laugh, and awesome dancing skills. Christmas was fantastic with lots of gifts, but the best gift of all was having Tyler and Bethany's smiles, laughter and excitement surround all of us. We have so much to be thankful for. Poppa has now returned to Florida, but Tyler (and the entire family) was very pleased to have his hugs and kisses during the holidays. The Wallis' spent a few days in Plattsburgh, following the doctors' permission to allow Tyler in the swimming pool, and even in restaurants. I am certain that I have never seen any other child so happy in my entire life than on the day the doctors made this announcement. Tyler walked through my doors exclaiming, 'I CAN EAT IN A RESTAURANT!'. We will never take the small things in life for granted, that's for sure.

Please continue to pray for my family, and our healing as there are still obstacles ahead. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. We wish you all a very happy new year.

A Message From Darla, Mark, Bethany and Tyler

When I think back to previous Christmas' and New Years, I think about how I feared the season being over and the change that comes with a new year. This year I do not feel that way. The year 2007 definitely was one with more change than I could have ever imagined. To say it was the worst would not be truthful as we are able to celebrate with both our children in good health. My grownup Christmas wish is for health and peace. Without these two things nothing else means anything.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kara and Jamie for all that they do keeping everyone informed of what is happening on Tyler's journey with Leukemia. It has served all the "readers" with up to date information and allowed us to read all the comments and prayers. We felt the closeness and were glad to hear from many people that we just never would have expected to hear from.

To everyone else who has traveled with us this far, thank you for being there in whatever capacity it was. We have certainly discovered how fortunate we are to have so many wonderful family members and friends that have supported us and have just been there to do whatever needed to be done and more! We will never forget. What a privilege to have so much love and support. Thank you God for the strength you give us everyday to face the challenges.

Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Merry Christmas and all the best for a wonderful new year.

Darla, Mark, Bethany and Tyler

December 9th Update

Tyler went for his bi-weekly check-up this week, and we are blessed to be once again informed that his story is indeed a "success story". He is gaining strength everyday, and is basically looking more like a healthy six year old. Darla, Mark, Bethany and Tyler did a great job last week on the Telethon on Stars. I was very proud of them, to hear them talk about such an emotional issue. Their message was clearly understood. As I watched the segment, I reflected on how our situation has changed since this time last year. Honestly, I don't think any of us could ever fathom that our little Tyler would be on a telethon, reaching out and informing the general public about the needs in pediatric care. It has really brought home the concept that anything can happen, at anytime, to anyone. As Darla so eloquently voiced, Tyler's illness has made us even more thankful for every little aspect of our lives.

Please continue to pray for our family.

*** Telethon of Stars ***

SPECIAL NOTICE: The Wallis Family will be appearing on the Telethon of Stars tonight at about 8:30 pm, and tomorrow night at about 6:30 pm. They will be broadcasting a taped segment about Tyler's journey, as well as a live interview.

The Telethon of Stars will be airing on CFCF - 12.

November 27th - No News Is Good News!

Tyler has been doing fantastic this past week. He visited the Children's last Tuesday and was given the best news that we could hope for, Bethany's bone marrow is working 100 percent in his little body. Her healthy blood cells are allowing Tyler's system to bounce back. Tyler is doing a great job walking on his own, and has all but abandon his wheelchair and walker. He managed to visit Santa Claus at an outdoor mall so as to avoid any potential germs.

We had fun poking fun at him, and teasing him that his vacation from school is almost over! The doctors have forecasted that if things continue on this path, he will be back at school in January. Bethany finds this particularly amusing as she is now the sole child leaving the household in the morning.

The entire Wallis family will be on the CTV telethon on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. There will be a segment dedicated to Tyler's struggles, and will document his journey through his bone marrow transplant to his time at home. I am looking forward to being able to compare Tyler's present state to the images just after his operation. I can guarantee that I will be watching this touching tribute through my tears.

Please continue to pray for our entire family. We still have many obstacles to face, but are thankful for the prayers, kind words and support that we are so fortunate to have surrounding us.

November 15th Update

Things are slowly returning to their usual path at the Wallis household. Tyler has been issued a few weeks free of any scheduled hospital visits, and he continues with his home schooling schedule. He has made great strides towards walking on his own, and even took some steps without his walker today. His sense of humour has returned to his little boy ways, with his desire to annoy Bethany returning in full force. We are so thankful to hear his laugh, and his singing every morning when he wakes up. Darla and Mark are amazed by the fact that upon rising in the morning, Tyler is the first to wake and starts everyone's day with a song. His voice truly is music to our ears.

Please continue to pray for our little man.