DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) - A South Georgia family is asking for prayers as 16-year-old Tyler Harper continues his fight against a devastating form of cancer.

Tyler was diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that had already spread to his lungs. Over the past two years, his mother says the teenager has endured surgeries, treatments, and painful complications while continuing to fight.

But now, the family says his condition has taken a heartbreaking turn.

Tyler’s mother, Christine Stone, said that recent scans show the cancer has spread further throughout his body and is now pressing against major organs. She says Tyler is currently on oxygen and requires constant medication just to help him breathe.

Doctors have now placed Tyler on what the family calls “Angel Watch,” a term often used when someone is believed to be nearing the final stage of life.

“Every breath is a battle,” his mother shared in a social media post updating the community on his condition.

Despite the grim outlook, Stone says Tyler continues to show love and strength in small ways. Because speaking has become difficult, he is communicating through sign language — something the family often used for “I love you.”

She said earlier this week, Tyler lifted his hand and signed those words back to her.

“This morning I told him I love him so much, and his little hand held up the sign language telling me he loved me,” she wrote. “This breaks my heart so bad.”

Stone says her family is leaning on faith as they face the uncertainty ahead.

“God raised the dead and made the blind see,” she said. “Cancer isn’t hard for God to fix. We’re clinging to hope that He’ll bring Tyler through once more.”

Community members across South Georgia have been sharing prayers and messages of support online as Tyler’s story spreads.

“No mother should have to watch her child suffer like this,” Stone said.

For now, she says all they can do is pray.

People who want to support Tyler and his family can donate to help with medical and family expenses through the GoFundMe created for him:

The family also says donations can be sent directly via Cash App to $as15a1, listed under Tyler Harper.

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