Every cancer story is unique, but each one carries the same thread of courage and hope. For every cancer patient, the journey is filled with challenges, small victories, and moments that redefine strength. At Rutledge Cancer Foundation, we’re honored to share stories of cancer survivors who continue to inspire us with their resilience and the way they embrace life after cancer.
The Day That Changed Everything
February 8, 2017 is a day Tyler Bardnard will never forget. It was the day that would change his life forever.
Almost a month and a half before then, he had just finished his first semester at Weatherford College and was on vacation with his family over winter break. He noticed a small lump under his right arm — hard, like a marble. He mentioned it to his family but didn’t think much about it. He went ahead and made an appointment with his primary care doctor for when he was back in town. While his primary care doctor wasn’t sure just what was going on, she was concerned enough to refer him to several specialists at Cook Children’s.
Six weeks and several appointments later, he received his biopsy results on February 8. They revealed the answer no one ever wants to hear: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, stage 3.
“I remember waking up from the biopsy, and Dr. Albritton, my oncologist, told me the diagnosis,” he recalls. “A couple of days later, we started treatment.”
The Fight of His Life
Treatment began immediately — six rounds of chemotherapy over five months. By June 2017, Tyler was in remission. But just two months later, the cancer returned.
In January 2018, he was admitted to the hospital for a bone marrow transplant, spending 35 days in isolation on the transplant floor. It was a grueling journey, but one that ultimately saved his life. He’s been cancer-free since 2018 — nearly eight years.
The Emotional Battle
Being diagnosed at 18 meant that while friends were making college memories, Tyler was fighting for his life.
“Going through treatment while in college was really tough,” he says. “I had to drop out for over a year. Lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to machines, watching all my friends live their normal lives — that was honestly just as hard, maybe even harder, than the physical sickness.”
It was the first time he experienced depression and anxiety, but his optimistic spirit eventually resurfaced.
“I’ve always considered myself a positive person,” he says. “And once treatment ended, I found my way back to that mindset.”
Depression and anxiety are common experiences for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) going through cancer. Research shows that more than 50 percent of AYAs with cancer go through some sort of mental health challenge. Unfortunately, while the research exists, there are few programs or resources to address the issue.
To help with this need, Rutledge Cancer Foundation has partnered with Moncrief Cancer Institute to create and implement an online psychosocial screening tool for AYAs to take when visiting their primary provider.
If concerns are identified, a personalized “AYA Care Plan” is created and shared with the patient’s primary provider for real-time intervention. Our funding supports the implementation of the screening tool into oncology practices as well as training physicians on how to use it.
Life After Cancer
When treatment finally ended, Tyler faced a new challenge often faced by AYAs after going through treatment: finding out who he was after cancer.
“My hair and even my skin tone changed from the transplant,” he shares. “It took time to accept my new body and the weaknesses that came with it, but eventually, I became content with who I am now.”
He returned to school, earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas–Arlington in 2024. He’s now a 7th-grade engineering teacher and boys’ athletics coach in Azle ISD — the same district where he graduated high school.
Connecting with Rutledge Cancer Foundation
During his treatment, a coordinator at Cook Children’s introduced him to Rutledge Cancer Foundation (RCF). He doesn’t remember his first event — but he remembers how it made him feel.
“It’s been so long, but obviously I had a lot of fun because I keep coming back every year,” he says with a smile.
Each year, Tyler joins RCF for our Topgolf event in December and the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in January. One of his favorite experiences was traveling to Asheville, North Carolina, for a First Descents whitewater kayaking trip.
“I would say that was one of the best events I’ve ever done in my life,” he says. “I learned so much and had an amazing time. I HIGHLY encourage anyone to go.”
A Lasting Impact
“Honestly, RCF has been the most memorable foundation I’ve ever been a part of,” he says. “It might sound weird, but the events they put on, as well as the trips I’ve taken, kind of made having cancer worth it. I would do anything for RCF because they’ve made such a positive impact on my life.”
Words of Advice
For those newly diagnosed and beginning their fight, Tyler offers heartfelt advice:
“Be patient and keep a positive outlook. Times will get tough, and it will feel like your whole life is ending at times — but staying positive and patient is key to winning the fight. Find someone you can depend on and keep them close. You’re going to need them.”
Today, Tyler stands as a survivor, a teacher, a coach, and a role model — not just for his students, but for anyone facing a battle like his. His journey is a powerful reminder that with strength, support, and hope, life after cancer can be full of purpose and joy.
Are you a cancer survivor interested in telling your story, sharing advice or lessons learned during your cancer journey? We believe everyone’s story is unique, but there’s a powerful connection between anyone who’s faced cancer. By sharing your story, you can inspire and give hope to others who are going through similar struggles.
Please contact Lauren Goodpaster, Patient Programs Manager, if you’re interested. We would love to hear from you!
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