Reddick Faces Tough Battle: Tumor in Son Rookie’s Chest

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In a race full of emotions, Tyler Reddick competed this Sunday with the weight of his championship hopes on his shoulders. The driver’s personal situation has become the center of attention, after his wife recently revealed the diagnosis of their newborn son, who is facing a tumor in his chest that affects his heart. Rookie, the second child of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May. Alexa shared details last week about the serious health complications her son is facing. The couple offered an update before the race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Tyler started from the pole position and needed a win to stay in contention for the Cup Series title. Shane van Gisbergen took the victory in the race, which left Reddick out of the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position. Alexa Reddick, through social media, shared details about Rookie’s condition after her husband’s race. She explained that the little one has a “tumor that is ‘strangling’ the renal vein and artery. It tells the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder'”. The situation has caused an enlargement of the heart and the 4-month-old baby will need to have a kidney removed, as doctors determined that it has stopped working.

He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We are not sure when it will be. Waiting is okay for now to give his heart a break while he is 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
Additionally, Alexa added that her son enjoyed blowing bubbles, playing, and “interacting with every nurse and doctor who enters his room”. Tyler Reddick had kept his son’s health situation private until his wife decided to make it 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 addressed Rookie’s health in Charlotte.

Healthier probably isn’t the right word, but I’ve never seen him happier. His color looks good. He’s gained weight. Many 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
Reddick, who reached the final of last year’s championship, began Sunday’s race below the drivers’ cut line. The group was reduced from 12 to eight after the race. The final four: Reddick, his 23XI Racing teammate, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Cindric, were eliminated. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, stated that 23XI Racing has provided support and has been involved to ensure that Rookie receives the best attention. Reddick, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact this has had on his family. The race car driver added: “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 most difficult thing I’ve had to go through… Certainly, being out [last week] wasn’t ideal.” Alexa Reddick’s Instagram post: “Rookie Update” describes her son’s health status.
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