COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — A Coffee County teenager is leaning on faith and resilience as he continues his battle with stage four cancer. Sixteen-year-old Tyler Harper is fighting bone cancer, a journey his family says has been filled with both heartbreaking uncertainty and unexpected hope.

About five months ago, Tyler’s condition worsened to the point where doctors advised his family to prepare to say goodbye. Since then, Tyler has undergone major reconstructive surgery that ultimately saved his right leg, marking a significant turning point in his treatment.

More recently, scans raised concern that the cancer may have spread to Tyler’s lungs. However, emergency surgery revealed the mass was not cancer, but an infection caused by a lung drain tube. Doctors say the infection was treatable with antibiotics, and the drain has since been removed.

Tyler is now back home, continuing treatment and being closely monitored by his medical team. Throughout the journey, he says his faith has carried him through.

Tyler’s mother, Christine Stone, recalls moments when doctors believed he would never make it home. Despite those grim expectations, she says Tyler continued to fight, leaning on faith through every setback.

Before his diagnosis, Tyler spent Sundays singing with the Saving Grace Ministries Choir. After multiple surgeries, he was no longer physically able to sing, but his family says his faith and praise never stopped.

Tyler credits the support of his parents, church family, and his belief in God for helping him through the most difficult moments of his journey. He says his experience has strengthened his faith and given him a message he hopes others will carry with them.

Now, Tyler is slowly returning to the activities he loves, including riding four-wheelers, playing video games, and spending time with his church community. His family says each small milestone is a reminder of how far he has come.

Tyler hopes his story serves as encouragement for others facing uncertainty, reminding them that faith can provide strength even in the darkest moments.

A Gofundme link is provided to help support Tyler on his fight.

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