On March 5, 2007, Holly and Derek Cordova received the news that their four-year-old son, Tyler, had non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
After years of chemotherapy, radiation, well over 20 surgeries, collectively over a year of hospitalization, and a stem cell transplant, Tyler managed to rid his cancer.
Throughout his journey, however, he developed a lot of complications, including several blood clots, vision loss and graft versus host disease (when your body rejects the transplant).
“The most challenging side effect was when the graft versus host attacked his lungs and he couldn’t breathe on his own,” states his mother, Holly. “At one point, his doctor told us that they had no more treatment options and prepared us for the worst.” After Tyler’s father did some research, he found a case study of a girl who responded favorably to an unconventional treatment.
The doctor agreed to try it and the result was miraculous. Within three days, Tyler was off the oxygen machine and within a week, was released from the hospital.
“Not only did Tyler’s dad save his life, but also this particular treatment has become much more common since Tyler received it,” states Holly.
On September 2, 2014, Tyler celebrated his 5-year anniversary of being cancer free. “We were lucky to have a great support system, but our biggest source of positivity was Tyler,” states his mother. “He was always so optimistic and didn’t spend time feeling sorry for himself.” Though Tyler had ongoing treatment to deal with transplant recovery, even having to take 76 pills a day at one point, he is currently not on any medication and only needs to visit the doctor every two months. “We are all very glad to be done with treatments!”
Tyler is very active with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and participates in the annual Light the Night event hosted by the LLS. “We had our first Light the Night team in 2007, a few months after Tyler was diagnosed. After going through a really tough time, it was so nice to be at a fun event where everyone was helping to find a cure…We have walked every year since.” Not only do they support the walk, but Tyler has also created a cookbook and donates the proceeds to LLS.
During Tyler’s frequent hospitalization stays, he became a fan of the Food Network. Being that he was on a lot of dietary restrictions, when he returned home, he started experimenting with new dishes, eventually becoming a culinary genius. Tyler took his love for cooking and compiled his recipes, creating his cookbook appropriately titled, Savoring Life.
“Tyler likes trying exotic flavors, and his book includes recipes such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Gazpacho, Goat Cheese Stuffed Meatball, Salmon with Marion Berry Sauce and Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Loin. Books are only $10 and all of the proceeds go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”
Tyler is currently 12 years old and cancer free. Despite his love for the culinary arts, his plans for the future include moving to Seattle to become a civil engineer.
For more information about how you can purchase a cookbook, email Holly at holly.cordova@yahoo.com. To join Tyler and his family at this year’s Light the Night Walk or to donate, www.lightthenight.org.
Save the Date:
LEUKEMIA &
LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
Light The Night Walk
Saturday, November 8
Bridgeport Park in Valencia
Beginning at 5 p.m.
www.lightthenight.org.