NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick recently shared a hopeful update about his five-month-old son, Rookie. During an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Reddick explained that Rookie is recovering well after surgery to remove a tumor near his right kidney.
This tumor was pressing on his kidney and artery, causing serious medical issues. Doctors found that Rookie was suffering from heart failure and high blood pressure because his heart was working too hard to push blood through the restricted vessels.
The situation began when Reddick’s wife, Alexa, posted on Instagram that their son was in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. At the same time, Reddick was preparing to race at Kansas Speedway. Even with the pressure of racing, his mind was in one place only: his family.
“It’s difficult, it’s not what you want for your kids,” Tyler Reddick admitted. “What my son Rookie is going through is serious. A tricky situation and just more than anything, just ready to get on a plane and go home.”
Tumor Discovery and Emergency Surgery
Reddick said the problem was found quickly once Rookie showed signs of heart failure. Doctors discovered a tumor located around the right kidney. In Reddick’s words, “They found a tumor in and around his right kidney, which was causing heart failure, high blood pressure, all sorts of complications that they’re able to identify pretty quickly.”
The tumor was affecting the kidney and the artery connected to it. Because of that, surgery was necessary. Reddick explained, “So, poor little guy had to have surgery to have the tumor and ended up having this getting removed; he recovered very quickly from the surgery.”
The fast response from the medical team played a key role. Reddick said the medical staff knew exactly what to look for and acted before the situation became even worse. Rookie came through the procedure strong. According to Reddick, the improvement after surgery was noticeable, which gave the family a huge sense of relief.
Tyler Reddick: Recovery Progress and Remaining Checkups
Even though the surgery was a success, doctors are still monitoring Rookie to make sure everything continues to improve. Reddick shared, “I think we still have a couple of other things to see through in regards to, you know, stomach and some other that might be a separate issue he’s dealing with, but the real crazy stuff appears to be behind us.”
While there are still a few medical questions to answer, the family feels more at ease now that the major danger has passed. Reddick thanked everyone who supported them, saying, “It’s been a lot for us, a lot of others, just really thankful. There are people who have helped along the way, really thankful for family and everybody else; above all else, just super thankful that everything went well, and we’re keeping hope so.”
Family Support and Rookie’s Strength
Rookie’s recovery has been quick. Reddick joked, “Yeah, you wouldn’t know it; you wouldn’t think he had surgery like a week and a half ago, maybe two weeks ago. He’s might be crazier than both; I can’t believe I’m saying that, yeah.”
Reddick also learned that kidney tumors in babies can sometimes appear without causing serious harm, but in Rookie’s case, pressure on the artery created high stress for the body and required surgery. Through everything, Reddick praised his wife for staying strong. “He handled it like a champ; my wife handled it super well, honestly.”
The family is moving forward with hope, grateful that Rookie is healing and gaining strength day by day.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Tyler Reddick Shares Heartfelt Update on Son Rookie’s Recovery from Kidney Tumor Surgery appeared first on Heavy Sports.