Tyler Reddick’s Family Faces Heartbreaking Ordeal as Infant Son Rookie Battles Rare Tumor: “Please Keep Lifting Our Cookie Up in Prayer”

The NASCAR world has rallied around Tyler Reddick and his wife, Alexa, after the couple revealed that their infant son, Rookie, is fighting a life-threatening health condition. In an emotional Instagram post, Alexa shared that their baby boy will undergo extensive surgery on Tuesday, October 14, to remove a tumor that has formed in his chest and is pressing dangerously close to his heart.

“Rookie will have surgery Tuesday,” Alexa wrote in her story. “He will return to CVICU where they will monitor his heart and BP while his renin slowly drops. Please keep lifting our cookie up in prayer.”

The heartbreaking revelation sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, with fans, drivers, and racing personalities flooding social media with messages of support and prayer.

A Tumor Threatening a Tiny Heart

According to Alexa’s update, the tumor is located near Rookie’s heart, where it has been choking his renal vein and renal artery, severely impacting blood flow. The blockage has caused one of his kidneys to stop functioning and led to his heart enlarging due to the stress of insufficient circulation.

Doctors at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Rookie is being treated, are preparing for the high-risk operation. Following surgery, he will be closely monitored in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU).

Alexa assured followers that while the road ahead remains uncertain, there is hope. “They expect his heart to fully recover because it was just an innocent bystander,” she explained. “We have answers but a journey ahead to bring our little Cookie home. We’re happy, we’re talking, blowing bubbles, playing, and interacting with every nurse & doctor that comes in his room.”

Clearing the Air: No Transplant Needed

The couple’s first social media update, posted on September 28, had sparked confusion among fans — many wondering whether Rookie would need a heart or kidney transplant. In her latest post, Alexa clarified that neither is the case, easing some fears while emphasizing the seriousness of the procedure.

“The tumor affected both his heart and kidney,” she wrote. “But thankfully, his heart was strong — it was just reacting to what was happening around it. One kidney stopped working, but doctors are hopeful about his recovery once the tumor is removed.”

Her transparent updates have been a lifeline for fans following the Reddick family’s ordeal. Alexa’s tone throughout has been one of courage, gratitude, and maternal resilience — an inspiring reminder of strength in the face of unimaginable worry.

Born on Race Day: Rookie’s Story

Rookie Reddick was born on May 25, 2025, the same day the Coca-Cola 600 took place at Charlotte Motor Speedway. After welcoming his son in the early hours of the morning, Tyler Reddick suited up and competed in one of NASCAR’s most grueling races — a testament to his professionalism and love for the sport. He finished 26th that night, exhausted but beaming with pride.

The name “Rookie” was chosen as a playful nod to both his racing roots and the family’s deep connection to the NASCAR world. Fans quickly fell in love with the nickname, and social media posts from Tyler and Alexa in the months following his birth often showed a joyful, energetic baby surrounded by toy cars and race gear.

That joy turned to fear when Rookie’s health began to decline unexpectedly just months later. The discovery of the tumor was devastating — but, as Alexa put it, “We’re holding on to faith, love, and the strength of our little boy.”

A Racing Star Balancing the Fight of His Life

While his son battles for recovery, Tyler Reddick continues to race for 23XI Racing, piloting the No. 45 Toyota in his sixth full NASCAR Cup Series season. As of mid-October, he sits ninth in the driver standings with 2,187 points, boasting seven top-five finishes and 13 top-tens this season.

Reddick made the 2025 NASCAR Playoffs on points but was eliminated ahead of the Round of 8 after a consistent yet luckless run. Despite the professional challenges, Reddick’s composure on track has drawn admiration — many now realizing the personal turmoil he’s been enduring behind the scenes.

“It puts everything in perspective,” one NASCAR insider said. “You see Tyler out there giving it his all, but his heart and mind are with his family. The racing community is behind him completely.”

The NASCAR Community Responds

Messages of love and prayer have poured in from across the racing world. Fellow drivers, teams, and fans have taken to social media with hashtags like #PrayersForRookie and #ReddickStrong, sending virtual hugs and hopeful notes for the family.

Even rival teams have shared words of support, underscoring the tight-knit nature of the NASCAR community. “We’re competitors on the track,” one driver posted, “but off it, we’re a family. Tyler and Alexa — we’re all praying for Rookie.”

A Mother’s Strength, a Father’s Resolve

As the surgery date approaches, the Reddick family is focusing on faith and hope. Alexa continues to post small updates and gratitude notes, thanking doctors, nurses, and fans for their unwavering kindness.

Her closing words from her latest story sum up the family’s spirit:

“Our boy is brave, our hearts are full, and our faith is strong. Please keep Rookie — our sweet Cookie — in your prayers.”

For now, the Reddicks wait, surrounded by love and belief that their little fighter will come home stronger than ever.

What’s Next for Tyler Reddick

Tyler Reddick will compete next at the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, October 19. Fans can watch the race live on Peacock (2 p.m. ET) or follow updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

But for Reddick, the real victory won’t be at the finish line — it will be seeing his son Rookie healthy and smiling again.