Benefit set for tot diagnosed with cancer

SANDPOINT - A local family is coping with the unimaginable this holiday season after their infant son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

On Dec. 1, Sagle firefighter Jason Cordle and his wife Kristine had their  world turned upside down when they learned their son, 14-month old Tyler, was suffering from Neuroblastoma cancer. Incredibly rare, the cancer is diagnosed in only 650 Americans each year.

Most common in infants, Neuroblastoma develops from the nerve cells in numerous areas of the body. Tyler developed tumors in his abdomen, head, right lung, right leg and has cancer cells in his bone marrow.

Due to the extent of his tumors, he is a high-risk patient and his cancer is already at stage four. Tyler will require extensive medical treatment, including six rounds of chemotherapy at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Spokane, followed by more treatment at the Seattle Children's Hospital.

In Seattle, Tyler will undergo surgery to remove the main tumor and will receive a bone marrow transplant before returning to Spokane for radiation treatment and immune system therapy.

The Cordles recently returned from Spokane to celebrate Christmas after Tyler's first round of chemotherapy. The family will not know how well Tyler is responding to the treatment until he completes the second round, said Tyler's aunt Andrea Cordle, who speaks frequently with the family.

"They're doing good. As good as can be, considering the circumstances," Andrea Cordle said. "They've accepted it and are just trying to keep him strong and do whatever they can."

To help offset the staggering medical costs, a group of friends and volunteers are planning an auction and fundraiser to be held Jan. 17 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds from 4-10 p.m. Catered by Ivano's, the event will auction off a host of impressive items, including a handmade log bed and three truckloads of gravel.

If you would like to make a monetary donation to benefit Tyler, visit your local Horizon Credit Union or Mountain West Bank. For updates on the Cordles and the fundraiser or to donate goods for the auction, visit www.saglefire.com.