Reddick: Son of NASCAR driver with chest tumor

Facing a crucial moment in his career, Tyler Reddick competed on Sunday with championship hopes on the line, following the revelation that his newborn son was diagnosed with a chest tumor affecting his heart.The young Reddick, the second child of Tyler and Alexa Reddick, was born in May. Alexa revealed last week that the little one is dealing with serious health problems. The couple shared an update before Sunday’s 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 took the victory, eliminating Reddick from the playoffs. Reddick finished in tenth position.Alexa Reddick, through social media, updated on her son’s condition after her husband’s race, indicating that he has a “tumor that is ‘suffocating’ the renal vein and artery, telling the heart ‘Hey, I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder'”. According to the publication, this has caused an enlargement of the heart, and the 4-month-old baby will need to have a kidney removed because doctors determined that it is no longer functioning correctly.

He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We are not sure when. Waiting is okay right now to give his heart a break while he is on blood pressure medication. They are hoping his heart will fully recover because it was just an innocent bystander. We have answers, but a journey ahead to bring our little Cookie home.

Alexa Reddick

He also added that his son was happy spending time playing with bubbles, interacting with the medical staff.Tyler Reddick had kept his son’s health situation private until his wife made the information public before last week’s race at Kansas Speedway, revealing that the little one was at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and showing signs of heart failure.Reddick addressed the issue of his son’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. 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

Reddick, who reached the final of last year’s championship, started 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.

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. For me, this week, the elimination, everything that’s happening in the racing world takes a back seat, as it should.

Tyler Reddick

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, commented that 23XI Racing has provided support and has been involved to ensure that Reddick’s son receives the best care.

We have tried to do everything possible as a company to take advantage of all possible resources, to get second and third opinions, all things, to put it in contact with specialists. We feel, not a relief, but it’s a small relief that they now understand what the path to follow is, compared to not knowing.

Denny Hamlin

Reddick, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact this has had on his family.

Countless people have helped. Countless people have reached out, offered support, whatever. It’s been truly revealing. I agree with my wife, this is the hardest thing I’ve had to go through.

Tyler Reddick

Reddick also added that being out the previous week wasn’t ideal.