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.