
UPDATE: Since this story was published, Tyrees lost his
brave battle. Tyrees passed away on April 1, 2008.
Tyrees' father, Tyrone approved of this update and wants to continue
to tell his son's story.
Four
year old Tyrees Usry was diagnosed with a kidney tumor when he was
only six months old. Shortly after he was originally diagnosed at
the University of Jackson in Jackson, MS, Tyrees and his father,
Tyrone, were sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In his
short four years of life, Tyrees has had approximately 12 surgeries,
chemotherapy, radiation and a stem cell transplant.
In July of this year, Tyrees suffered a relapse and
came back to Memphis for additional treatment. Tyrees and his dad
checked into the Ronald McDonald House in August of 2007 where they
have remained ever since. Tyrees has had part of both kidneys
removed as well as a portion of his liver. He is still facing
additional surgery and radiation.
As his primary caregiver Tyrone explains that the
Ronald McDonald House has been a true blessing to him and his son.
Both he and Tyrees have made lifelong friendships while staying at
the Ronald McDonald House. Tyrees loves the play areas as well as
the food pantries. He likes to go into the pantry and pick out what
is for dinner. Tyrone has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the
Memphis community in all that they do for Ronald McDonald House and
the families who stay there.
Because of the generosity of the community, Tyrone
and Tyrees have been able to attend two Memphis Grizzlies basketball
games. Tyrone has been unable to work since being at Ronald McDonald
House with Tyrees. Donations from the community to the Ronald
McDonald House holiday store enabled Tyrone to pick out Christmas
gifts for Tyrees and his three daughters at home. Tyrees has also
enjoyed shopping in the Ronald McDonald House store where the
children get to pick gifts for their parents.
Tyrees has formed special bonds with several staff
members at the Ronald McDonald House. He has a beautiful smile that
lights up any room he walks into. His smile and winning personality
has made him a popular little boy around the house. No one is a
stranger to Tyrees and he is almost always willing to give you a hug
when you ask. Tyrees and his father would like to thank Memphis and
the surrounding communities for all they do to make Ronald McDonald
House a home-away-from-home for the families who stay here. Because
of Ronald McDonald House and everything that is provided for the
families, Tyrone has been able to focus all his energy on his son
and getting him through his treatment. Tyrone has also relied on
friendships made with other families to help him deal with
everything Tyrees has and will continue to face.