Ty U.

2010 Ambassador Kid

Since age seven, when big brother Josh ran beside his wobbling bike and finally let go, Ty has enjoyed the thrill of riding. But this simple act, that most take for granted, is something Ty hasn't been able to do in over a year. Riding with one real leg could prove challenging for anyone; but a challenge of any measure has yet to stop Ty in his tracks.

In the summer of 2008, Ty noticed a bump on his right knee that was warm to the touch. A trip to the doctor revealed the cause: osteosarcoma, cancer of the bone.

Despite the grim news, Ty's playful soul kept his family's spirits high, facing it all with determination and an undefeated sense of humor.

At 14 years old, Ty fully understood his treatment options, and after three months of chemotherapy, an unthinkable decision had to be made -what to do about his leg.

Though not all osteosarcoma patients are candidates for limb-salvage surgery, Ty was, so he had a choice to make. The doctors could use prosthetic implants or an allograft (a bone graft from a donors tissue) to try to save the leg or remove it entirely.

Ty and his parents weighed the options. They studied each procedure and connected with other kids who had faced this dilemma. In the end, Ty felt there were too many unpredictable complications that came with the hope of keeping his leg. "If I'm still alive, that's all that matters," he said.

With his parents' support, Ty had his right leg amputated through the knee on January 22, 2009.

After the surgery there was more chemo, but Ty describes that as the easy part compared to the hard work ahead of him as he learns to walk. Until then, his humor keeps him going he's often seen wearing a shirt that says, "Leg story? $10."

His journey is far from over, but so is his life.

In the future, Ty hopes to be a pediatric surgeon, helping kids like him. But for now, he spends time wearing his prosthetic leg, regaining strength in his muscles and building his balance toward a goal in the nearer future--getting back on his bike.

Photo by Rachel Kemble Photography

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Ty's a normal 13yr old boy, whose life changed dramatically on September 11th, 2008. From the beginning he has been so positive and strong. He has endured rounds of chemo that have made him so sick, but even then he has kept a good attitude, while apologizing to the nurses for throwing up. Ty had surgery in January, he made a very adult decision for surgery, and that was to have his leg amputated to get rid of the tumor that had grown on his leg.
He is now an amputee, he's excited to get his new leg and walk again, he is still undergoing his last few rounds of chemo and even after all he has been through, he still has a smile on his face and the best attitude one could have. He enjoys playing games with his brother, cooking, and just spending time with his family and two dogs. Ty has taught us what it means to be strong.. he is our hero