UPDATE 2/22– Tyler has a new heart! Road to recover is in sight! Thoughts and support are needed still for the road ahead. Thank you again for the continued support from everyone.

UPDATE 2/5 — From Sarah: Day 43. Well Tyler's heart is headed in the wrong direction and is starting to become unsafe, so with a lengthy talk to heart failure doctors, Tyler will be put on the transplant list. We know we have had so many prayers but please continue them for Tyler and our family TylerTough

Continued support is much needed for the family. Thank you to everyone for their thoughts, prayers and donations.

Tyler Shoven is the youngest of 3 children to Jason and Sarah Shoven. Tyler was born with his heart valves switched and had his first open heart surgery within a week of being born. Almost 16 years later they found one valve was leaking. They scheduled a valve repair, possible replacement, open heart surgery for fall of 2022. The family was nervous but hopeful that his young age would get him through. The first surgery lasted longer than expected, but the doctor was able to repair his valve rather than replace it. Unfortunately, Tyler had many complications afterwards that caused him to be in the hospital / rehab for 47 days. 

Over a month later he was released to go home and feeling good. Everyone would agree he looked great and we were happy he was home and healthy. However, on Christmas Eve he started throwing up and on Christmas Day he was brought to the local hospital. He was then rushed to Luries for an emergent open heart surgery. His repaired valve was failing and the Doctor had to replace it with a mechanical valve. Due to the stress of the surgeries, he had trouble coming off the by-pass machine. For over 9 days he was on life support. He was able to come off thankfully but is still slightly sedated and intubated.

*UPDATE 1/9* Tyler got his breathing tube removed and is breathing great!

*UPDATE 1/13* Tyler got his chest tubes removed and got to sit up today!! He is making steps in the right direction!!

His body is fighting daily and his parents have not left him since Christmas Day. No child or parent should ever have to go through what they have endured. In hopes to ease the amount of medical bills and day to day needs, we are asking for donations to help cover the costs of medical bills, food, groceries, gas. Anything the family might need in the weeks to come as Tyler continues to fight and get strong.

Anything is appreciated. #TylerTough

Thank you,

The extended Family of The Shovens.