Tyler Bledsoe
 
Tyler Bledsoe was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) on February 19, 2007 at age 40. Like many others, his disease was discovered by accident after he went to the doctor with pneumonia. The routine blood tests that the doctor ran showed abnormally high white blood cell counts.  Tyler was admitted to the hospital that day and began treatment for both CML and pneumonia. He was released from the hospital a few days later to attend his own wedding.

Because of the research funded by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Tyler was able to fight his battle against CML with various medications and a bone marrow transplant. Each of the CML drugs provided quality of life while attacking the disease, thanks to their ability to target the cancerous cells.

Ultimately, his disease overcame the abilities of the currently available drugs and Tyler passed away in January 2011.  Team Firefly's goal as a team is to honor Tyler's memory by helping to fund new treatment options for other patients, while still allowing cancer patients to have high quality lives.

Cancer stole Tyler's mobility, his ability to work and play soccer, and his freedom to see friends and family, but it never stole his spirit. Tyler was an inspiration to countless people as he battled his disease and will live on in our memories as an example of a man who brought out the best in others.

Lexi Bonner

Lexi is a strong, brave, courageous girl with a smile and energy that can light up a room anywhere. She is an inspiration to all of her family and friends. Lexi's journey began on June 6th, 2008 when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia High Risk T-Cell.  Although there have been many fears, we felt it best to focus on the positive and not the negative.

Thanks to the help of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the task of staying positive was made possible.  From extensive research and the development of new drugs, Lexi finished treatment seven months ago and they will call her "cured" in five years!  When Lexi grows up, her dream is to become a doctor, nurse, or robot maker.

The Bonner Family says, "Thanks to you and others who believe in finding a cure, Lexi's dreams are now possible in her lifetime. Thank you for supporting Light The Night and making Lexi's dreams a possibility."

Tom Rowland

On Friday, November 6, 2009, as we were preparing for work in the early morning hours, Tom collapsed after getting out of the shower. He fell to the floor unconscious, broke his nose and when I was unable to wake him, I immediately called 911. Tom was taken to St. Claire's hospital, near our Lakewood home. He had been fighting the flu for nearly two weeks. A battery of tests began including a CT scan, MRI and a series of blood work. Within two hours, we received the devastating news... Tom was diagnosed with Leukemia.

He fought the bravest most courageous battle to stay here and see his son grow up, but despite his very best efforts, Tom was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on February 23, 2011 at the young age of 35. While our lives will never quite be the same in his absence, we rejoice in the many, MANY lives that were changed because of the grace with which Tom faced this adversity.

This year, we walk in memory of our courageous hero, Tom Rowland, loving husband, best friend and well-loved daddy to our 2-year-old son, Jack. Tom bravely fought AML for 16 months, endured two bone marrow transplants and left this world far too soon. As a united family, our mission is to see this horrible disease cured before it extinguishes one more "Shining Light" like Tom, from our lives. Together, WE CAN make a difference!