Photo via: ABC 11
Last month, 11-year-old violinist Tyler Butler-Figueroa, a cancer survivor, played the national anthem at the Carolina Hurricanes game during its Hockey Fights Cancer night.
Diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 4, Tyler underwent chemotherapy treatment for three years and has been in remission for nearly four.
Tyler is in the house! Getting ready for his performanxe tonight. His story is coming up in 10 minutes on #ABC11 @ABC11_WTVD pic.twitter.com/pmuOD0sS1k
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetABC11) November 30, 2018
He spent the night before his big performance doing what he does best, playing his violin (with his little brother Adam doubling as his backup dancer).
Tomorrow night Tyler, who beat #Leukemia, will play the National Anthem at the @NHLCanes game as a part of their #HockeyFightsCancer night..... Tonight he was playing some Thursday night tunes with brother Adam as his backup dancer. Catch the story tomorrow on @ABC11_WTVD pic.twitter.com/gPSwITAMQ9
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetABC11) November 30, 2018
"I think music changed my life because I was going through a lot of changes," Tyler told ABC 11. "My hair was coming out. I was able to release myself and express how I was feeling by music."
Tyler also plays for other patients and their families in the waiting room at his bi-annual visits to the oncologist. This month, he'll take his musician dreams to the next level by trying out for "America's Got Talent."
Best of luck Tyler! We can't wait to see what you'll accomplish next.