Positivity: Brave boy’s life recalled by family and friends

Yes, this is a positive story, even though the boy died at age 11. Read on:

May 16, 2006

About 500 friends, family members and well-wishers visited Heitger Funeral Service-Massillon Chapel on Monday to offer condolences to Tyler Gardiner.

The 11-year-old Massillon resident died early Friday morning after a 3-1/2 year fight against leukemia

Gardiner’s reaction to the news he had a terminal disease is still being admired by his doctors.

“He was very realistic and made plans,” said Dr. Sarah Friebert, a pediatric oncologist at Akron Children’s Medical Center. “He knew that he was going to die but his goal was to live life to the fullest and hoped for a miracle to prove us wrong. He was a strong-minded kid and was very inspirational.

Photo displays and video from his life were displayed of family and friends, as well as special trips to New York City and Tampa made possible by donations.

Friebert said encouragement and support that Tyler received from area residents were helpful emotionally to him during battle.

“Medicine is only part of the answer,” she said. “Love and concern from others were also helpful to him. He derived energy from his support.”

Sue Kirkpatrick, second vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Henderson Lodge No. 105 in Massillon, sold her diamond earrings for $260, which started a $3,800 fund-raising drive for his last-wish trip to New York City.

“I would have done it all over again,” she smiled outside the funeral home. “God worked a miracle. He had so much fun.”