Tyler Bolger is a vibrant 6-year-old with a passion for sports, American Ninja Warrior, and drawing. Now a kindergartner, he is the proud younger brother to Reagan and a protective big brother to Reese.
In early January 2026, Tyler’s parents noticed he had become unusually pale and had developed bruises in strange places. His energy vanished, replaced by persistent headaches and body aches. Initially, his pediatrician suspected these symptoms were the result of immune suppression following a bout with the flu over the holidays.
However, when Tyler woke the following night with an excruciating headache, his parents rushed him to the emergency room. Following urgent bloodwork, Tyler was transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital, where he was admitted to the Hematology/Oncology Department for evaluation.
A bone marrow biopsy the following day provided the definitive answer: B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL).
Tyler’s oncology team immediately established a treatment plan, and chemotherapy began the very next day. After three weeks of intensive, around-the-clock care, Tyler was finally able to return home to his family.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Tyler’s treatment journey will span two years and consist of eight distinct chemotherapy cycles. His care involves:
Intravenous Chemotherapy: Administered through a surgically implanted port during regular visits to the Jimmy Fund Clinic.
Lumbar Punctures: Periodic procedures to deliver medication directly into his spinal fluid.
Oral Medications: Daily treatments managed at home.
Hospital Stays: Planned admissions to Boston Children’s to monitor his reaction to new medications.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Tyler’s parents are encouraged by his initial response to treatment and his positive prognosis. While Tyler’s personal goal is simply to return to school for first grade this fall, the financial toll of his care is significant. Hope Strengthens Foundation is honored to support Tyler and his family with medical bills and targeted care needs.
Your tax-deductible donation will directly impact Tyler’s journey. While his treatment is in its early stages and costs will fluctuate over the next two years, a gift of any size will help bridge the following immediate gaps for the Bolger family.
Medical Bills: Tyler’s family is still navigating the full scope of long-term care. A donation of $400 will help cover estimated monthly out-of-pocket medical costs not met by insurance.
Life-Saving Medication: Tyler requires a complex regimen of prescriptions to treat his leukemia and manage side effects. A gift of $300 will help cover estimated out-of-pocket prescription costs for one month.
A Safe Home Environment: Because Tyler’s immune system is severely compromised, a germ-free home is vital. A donation of $165 will provide professional medical-grade cleaning for the Bolger home every two weeks.
Travel & Support: The family travels from Chelmsford, MA, to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA, twice per week. A gift of $100 will cover gas and meals for the family during one week of travel and treatment.
To donate, please visit this link.
Thank you for your compassion and support for Tyler and his family during this challenging time.