Tyler "In Loving Memory"
Written by Jody Allen
Photography by Randy Bacon
Our hearts are heavy for the Burnett family. Tyler lost his battle with Clear Cell Sarcoma just a few days ago, Sunday September 9th, 2018. We met Tyler a couple months ago when he and his mother Rachelle shared his story with us at 7 Billion Ones. As soon as we walked in their house for the photo shoot we felt the love and support Tyler had. We got hugs from Rachelle, met Tyler’s adorable and kind girlfriend Alaina, and held their precious daughter Marlee (then ten months old). We saw all of Tyler's high school sports photos on the wall and we mean ALL the photos...Tyler was a handsome young All Star!
Tyler & Rachelle
(Tyler’s video in the KC star football coverage - Here - )
Photography by Randy Bacon
Tyler with his daughter Marlee
As Rachelle mentioned in her 7 Billion Ones story, she is an administrator for the group Free Hot Soup. This group feeds the homeless in Kansas City every Sunday at local parks. Hundreds of homeless friends get served a meal they would otherwise not have if not for Free Hot Soup. Alaina lit up telling us about all the volunteers that come to Rachelle’s house to prepare the meals on Sunday. She said, “You really need to see how all the people come together and serve others”. Free Hot Soup is a tribe of people who care. Tyler was a compassionate leader at a young age. Things seemed clearer as we realized leaders are not born, they are taught. Tyler was taught well.
Tyler wasn't willing to give up on himself or others battling Clear Cell Sarcoma (which is a rare form of cancer). He told us, "If I can help even ONE other person by sharing my story.. It will be worth it." He got it... in his twenty years on earth.. Tyler understood. The purpose behind 7 Billion Ones is to educate, inspire and empower others through sharing our stories. Please help us share Tyler's story. Someone will read it, go to the doctor, and be diagnosed with Clear Cell Sarcoma early enough to save their life.
We read in a post the day Tyler died, that he whispered in his parents ear, “Where there’s a will there’s a way”. This is a reminder for all of us to be difference makers and to LOVE NOW more than ever! One day before Tyler’s twenty first birthday on September 23rd, the “tribe” will be walking in the Race To Cure Sarcoma Kansas City. If you are in the KC area please join Team Burnett in honor of Tyler - https://rtcs-kc.greatfeats.com/home
Tyler donated his tissue for clinical research. Tyler’s story is not over, his journey has just begun. He is forever a part of the 7 Billion Ones family and in the hearts of his many loved ones.
In memory of
Tyler Wayne Burnett
September 24, 1997 - September 9, 2018
A memorial fund is set up for Tyler & Alaina’s 1 year old daughter, Marlee. To contribute, you can make checks to Tyler Burnett Memorial Fund, sent to 2408 S. 18th St. Kansas City, KS 66106
Photography by Randy Bacon
Photography by Randy Bacon
As an ongoing nonprofit movement, the ability for us to change the world through people and their stories is determined by the love and support of compassionate people, like you. The photography, films, website, written stories, exhibitions, community events and all other aspects of 8 Billion Ones are made possible by the generous financial support of the "ones", like you. Please consider a tax-deductible gift today to help us continue sharing important, life-changing stories of people - just like you.