Reddick: Son of NASCAR driver with tumor, faces tough battle

In an emotional race in Concord, North Carolina, Tyler Reddick competed with championship hopes on the line, this after his wife revealed their son’s diagnosis of a chest tumor 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 facing serious health complications. The couple provided an update before Sunday’s race at The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Tyler started from the pole position, needing 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. After the race, Alexa Reddick posted on social media about her Rookie condition, explaining that she has a “tumor that ‘strangles’ the renal vein and artery. Telling 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 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 hope 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

Alexa added that her 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 situation public before last week’s race at Kansas Speedway. Alexa revealed that Rookie was at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and showing signs of heart failure. Reddick talked about 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. A lot of things are going well. All that being said, some of the most difficult moments are definitely ahead. 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 field 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.

For me, this weekend where we are at points, is what it is. I’m going to go out and give my best effort while I’m here, certainly. For me, this week, the elimination, everything that’s going on in the racing world is taking a back seat, as it should.

Tyler Reddick

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick’s car, said that 23XI Racing has provided support and involvement so that Rookie receives the best attention.

We’ve tried to do everything we can as a company to leverage all possible resources, to get second and third opinions, all the things, put him in touch with specialists. We feel, not a relief, but it’s a small relief that they now understand the path forward, instead of, not knowing.

Denny Hamlin

Reddick expressed gratitude for the support received and reflected on the emotional impact on his family.

Countless people have helped. Countless people have reached out, provided support, whatever. It’s been truly 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