Tyler is a 15 year-old who admits that his passion for basketball has turned into a slight obsession. In addition to following the NBA, he plays on a travel team and when he is on the court, Tyler says that he is in his own zone and thinks only about what his next move will be. Unfortunately, for Tyler and his family, having to constantly think about the next move has become a way of life.
When Tyler was just an infant his mom noticed that something was just not right. At 23 months, he was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus, a condition where spinal fluid builds up on the brain. This build up causes a lot of pressure which in turn causes pain and possible brain damage. Since then, Tyler has undergone 27 brain surgeries to help manage his condition.
On the night before his 25th brain surgery this past April, he received a call from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Suffolk County saying that he had been qualified for a wish.
“When Make-A-Wish called it was probably one of the first times that the pain just went away because of how happy I was.”
While many children find it hard to choose their one true wish, Tyler had no trouble narrowing it down to three options. In true Tyler fashion, all his possible wishes had to do with basketball. After thinking long and hard about his wish, Tyler decided that he would like to fly to California to meet the LA Clippers, his favorite team.
Click below to witness the moment when Make-A-Wish® announces that Tyler’s wish will come true.