Amidst the competition and adrenaline of motorsports, Tyler Reddick faced a personal challenge that tested his resilience. The recent revelation about the health of his youngest son, Rookie, diagnosed with a chest tumor affecting his heart, marked a before and after in his season. Rookie, born in May, has been dealing with significant health complications, according to his mother, Alexa Reddick. The couple shared details about their son’s condition before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Shane van Gisbergen took the victory in the race, which meant Reddick’s elimination from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position.
The situation has caused an enlargement of the heart in the 4-month-old baby, who will require the removal of a kidney because the doctors determined that it is no longer functioning correctly. Open surgery for the removal of the right kidney does not yet have a defined date. Alexa also commented that her son remains cheerful, enjoying bubbles, games and interacting with the medical staff. Tyler Reddick, who had kept his son’s situation private, shared details before the race at Kansas Speedway, where Rookie was being cared for at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, showing signs of heart failure. Reddick expressed his joy at his son’s improvement, although he acknowledged future challenges. “There are some things we have to go through first,” he stated.She has a tumor that is ‘choking’ the renal vein and the renal artery. It tells the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder’.
Alexa Reddick
Despite reaching the championship final last year, Reddick was below the cut line for Sunday’s race, where the group of competitors was reduced from 12 to eight. Along with him, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric were eliminated.
Reddick stated that, at this moment, the situation on the track takes a backseat, prioritizing his son’s well-being. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, highlighted the support provided by 23XI Racing to ensure the best medical care for Rookie. Reddick, who started alongside van Gisbergen, winner for the fifth consecutive time on road or street circuits, thanked the support received and reflected on the emotional impact on his family. The situation, according to Reddick, has been the most difficult experience he has faced. His decision to compete in Kansas was a joint agreement with his wife, prioritizing the stability of his son and his return to the hospital.
