WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - There's a fragility to Tyler Trent's words. He measures them as he speaks, giving thought and introspection that belie his youth. He is 19, but Trent has an old soul, the result of having grown up fast while staring down a battle with cancer that has withered his body ... but not his soul.
The story of Purdue's super fan is well-chronicled. His soft, bespectacled face has become the visage of the school and the spirit of Jeff Brohm's football program during a public battle with a cancer that is eating his bones. It's called osteosarcoma, and it has attacked his body in three different areas since being diagnosed in 2014. For Trent, it's terminal.
National media outlets like ESPN and ABC have told his story, celebrities like Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri and Cubs pitcher Jon Lester have reached out. The Vice President of the United States has checked in, too, among other notables. America has wrapped its arms around Trent. And in the process, Trent has wrapped his arms around those he has touched.
"I can look back on my life, even stuff from the last few weeks, and say I know it's the truth," said Trent. "Over a year ago, I prayed to have the ability to share my story with people. And now I have been given a national stage to share my story. And most everyone knows my name. Being able to physically and tangibly look back at things like that helps keep me grounded in my faith."
It's an unshakeable faith that drives Trent for more opportunities to spread the word about the evil of cancer. To that end, the Tyler Trent Research Endowment has been established.
| Donate to the Tyler Trent Research Endowment |
There's a lot of fight in Trent, who can't weigh 100 pounds. And some days, that frail body doesn't want to cooperate with his agenda.
"Each day for me typically revolves around waking up and then going over a medical checklist," he said. "Based upon how that checklist goes will determine how my day goes. As long as everything is good on that checklist, then it usually ends up being a pretty good day for me, one where I am hanging out at home with my family, getting caught up with sports news and just being a teenager."
But unlike most teens in high school and college, Trent's kidneys don't function properly. You see, all the chemotheapy he has endured while battling cancer has ruined them. The Carmel native has tubes in his kidneys to help them do their job. And, it doesn't always work.
"As long as they are OK, then we are in good shape," said Trent. "Unfortunately, the week of the Ohio State game, I had to go in for emergency surgery because they weren't working. They had to fix them so my kindeys would drain properly."
Today is a good day for Trent. His spirits are high, checking his social media and staying caught up on sports. He has family with him, which is good. Friends also fuel his indefatigable spirit. Coach Brohm even checks in with a text from time to time. He's praying for Tyler, like all of us.
"How do I keep my spirit up?" Trent asks. "Well, each morning I do a mental checklist in addition to the medical one. I make sure I am living in the Word, and by Word, I mean the Bible.
"I pray and meditate on the things I have read. I am blessed enough where my friends will send me Bible verses to encourage me. I can lean on some of the words and promises that are in the Bible."
The verse that buoys Trent? "1 THESS. 5:16-18." It's printed on the yellow "Tyler Strong" bracelets that have become ubiquitous on the Purdue campus.
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
"That's what it's all about."
It's about giving, too. And Trent is giving all he has in this battle that is inspirational and everlasting in its impact.
Keep fighting, Tyler Trent. And keep making a difference.