A decade after overcoming Hodgkin lymphoma, Four Diamonds survivor Tyler is stepping into a milestone he once wasn’t sure would be possible. He is now a father.
When Tyler was diagnosed at 17, life was centered on school, sports and time with friends. A cancer diagnosis quickly shifted everything, and he began preparing for months of intensive chemotherapy.
Still, even in the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, Tyler knew one thin g for sure: he wanted children someday.
Protecting the Possibility of a Future Family
Before treatment began, Tyler’s medical team spoke with him about how chemotherapy could affect fertility. They introduced fertility preservation as an option to help protect his ability to have children later in life.
With support from Four Diamonds, Tyler chose to move forward. His sperm was collected and safely stored before cancer treatment. All associated costs were covered as part of Four Diamonds’ comprehensive support.
“I knew I wanted kids someday, and I’m grateful Four Diamonds helped make that possible,” Tyler said.
Focused on Treatment, Supported Every Step
During his senior year, Tyler underwent months of chemotherapy. He missed time with friends and activities he loved but stayed focused on one goal: finishing high school. He was able to walk at graduation before completing treatment.
Throughout his journey, Four Diamonds supported Tyler and his family by covering out of pocket medical expenses and providing essentials like meal vouchers and gas cards. That support allowed the family to focus fully on Tyler’s care.
A Continued Connection to Four Diamonds
After treatment, Tyler remained closely connected to Four Diamonds and THON™. As a student at Penn State Berks, he served as a THON chair and danced during THON Weekend in 2018. Today, he returns each year as a Four Diamonds survivor, paired with Penn State Rugby.
THON 2026 carried special meaning as Tyler attended with his son for the first time.
Turning Hope into Reality
Nearly a decade after his diagnosis, Tyler and his wife, Jordyn, began exploring the next step for their family with help from Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital Childhood Cancer Survivorship Clinic.
After additional testing, they moved forward with intrauterine insemination. Although fertility treatments were not covered by insurance, Four Diamonds continued to support them by covering the cost of transporting Tyler’s cryopreserved sperm to their specialist.
“It was a huge relief to receive some financial support,” Jordyn said.
Their first treatment was successful. In November 2025, they welcomed their son, Bennett.
“He is such a blessing,” Tyler said. “You can’t put a price on being able to create your own family.”
A Future Made Possible
This June, Tyler will celebrate 11 years cancer free. Today, he shares his story to show how support can extend far beyond treatment and help shape a survivor’s future.
“When you donate to Four Diamonds, you are helping families through the unimaginable and giving survivors the chance to dream beyond cancer,” Tyler said.
For Tyler, that future now includes time with his growing family and attending THON each year, which has become even more special by bringing his son along with him. It’s a life he once feared might never happen.