Tyler Reddick Competes Amid Adversity Following His Son’s Diagnosis
The driver Tyler Reddick faced Sunday’s race with his championship hopes on the line, after his wife recently revealed the diagnosis of a tumor in their son’s chest, affecting his heart. Rookie, the second child of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May. Alexa shared last week that the little one is dealing with serious health problems. The couple provided an update before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Tyler was starting from the pole position and needed a win to stay in contention for the Cup Series title. Shane van Gisbergen won the race, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position. Alexa Reddick posted a social media update on Rookie’s condition after Tyler’s qualifying race, explaining that he has a “tumor that is ‘choking’ the renal vein and artery. It tells the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder'”. This has caused an enlargement of the heart, and the 4-month-old baby will need to have a kidney removed because the doctors determined that it no longer works.He added that his son was happy spending time playing with bubbles, interacting with every nurse and doctor who entered his room. Tyler Reddick had kept the situation of his son’s health private until his wife made the situation public before last week’s race at Kansas Speedway, revealing that Rookie was at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and showing signs of heart failure. Reddick spoke about Rookie’s health in Charlotte.He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We’re just not sure when. Waiting is okay at this point to give his heart a break while he’s on blood pressure medication. They expect his heart to fully recover because it was just an innocent bystander. We have answers, but a journey ahead to bring our little Cookie home.
Alexa Reddick
Reddick, who reached the final of last year’s championship, began Sunday’s race below the cut line for the drivers. The group was reduced from 12 to eight after the race. The last four, Reddick, his 23XI Racing teammate, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain and Austin Cindric, were eliminated.Healthier probably isn’t the right word, but I’ve never seen him happier. His color looks good. He’s gained weight. A lot of things are going well. That said, some of the most difficult moments are definitely yet to come. We’re definitely not out of the woods. There are a few things we have to get through first.
Tyler Reddick
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, said that 23XI Racing has provided support and involvement to give Rookie the best care.For me, this weekend, where we are at points, is what it is. I’m going to go out and give it my best while I’m here, certainly. For me, this week, the elimination, everything that’s going on in the racing world is taking a backseat, as it should.
Tyler Reddick
Reddick, for his part, thanked for the support that he and his family have received and reflected on the emotional impact that this has had on his family.We’ve tried to do everything we can as a company to leverage all the resources we can, to get second and third opinions, all the things, put him in touch with specialists. We feel not relief, but a little relief that they now understand a little bit what the path forward is, compared to not knowing.
Denny Hamlin
The decision to participate in the Kansas race was difficult, but Reddick and his wife came to a conclusion together, prioritizing their son’s stability.Countless people have helped. Countless people have reached out, provided support, whatever. It’s been really revealing. I agree with my wife, this is the hardest thing I’ve had to go through… Certainly, being out [last week] wasn’t ideal.
Tyler Reddick
