Tyler Douglas Weeks was born on September 19, 2014 and shortly after diagnosed with 1p36 deletion syndrome that affected his life physically with challenges but introduced everyone to a huge family and support system. Tyler was the calmest, most “chill” child you could meet. He rarely cried or got upset but had the most infamous side-eye glances. Tyler’s life was full of overwhelming content, everyone around him made him as comfortable as possible. He loved the water – floating and swimming and spending time in his hot tub. He loved rolling around and stimming on the floor with all of his blankets, and making vocalizations, some would call singing, some would call very loud outbursts oftentimes in the most quiet places. Tyler loved his dogs Mattie and Mia but most everyone would say that they loved him more. He was their “baby” and always protected him. On April 5, 2023 at 8 and a half years old, Tyler passed away.
The loss of a young child is an unimaginable sorrow, one that words can never fully ease. For some families, a small measure of comfort comes in knowing that, through donation, their child’s life created hope and healing for others. In the midst of profound grief, this legacy of generosity can serve as a quiet reminder that even the shortest lives can have a lasting and meaningful impact. Tyler was able to donate cartilage, corneas and other tissue that helped and gave hope to so many people.
