Leukemia Fighter Callen Tyson (#TeamCallen) Visits JMU Football

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Fridays before game day are a sacred time for the James Madison football program. It's a time to rest, eat, reflect and bond together. But this Friday, November 21, the team was given the opportunity to host special guest Callen Tyson, who reminded the team what it truly means to be strong in times of struggle.

Four-year-old Callen is currently battling Leukemia and exemplifies the motto "superhero strong," on a daily basis. Since his diagnosis in March, life for the Tyson family has never been the same. Bound primarily to the house and hospital for most of the past eight months has restricted Callen from living a normal life. It has also stripped the family of opportunities to enjoy time together, making this JMU visit incredibly special.

"Anytime we've had together has focused on being sick," Callen's mom, Katie Tyson, said. "This is the first time we are out and about together just for fun. Everything else is taking a back seat this weekend."

Escorting Callen for his visit was his mom Katie, his dad Jim, sisters Olivia and Julia, and brother Matt, a JMU junior.

"Being his older brother and a JMU student, it means so much to have the whole JMU community, especially the football team, come support me and have my family's back," Matt said. "It really makes me proud to be a Duke."

Before joining the football team, Callen and his family checked into the Residence Inn, where a special surprise awaited them courtesy of the hotel staff. Upon arrival, the Tysons were greeted by a cheering reception line, a superhero backpack for Callen and goodies to fill it. Their room was also decked out in JMU gear and special gifts.

"We felt like the dream team showing up for a big event," Katie said.

After checking into the hotel, the Tysons headed to the stadium where Callen scored touchdowns and kicked footballs before a trip to Head Coach Withers' office. Withers presented Callen with a JMU hoodie and a special football signed by players and coaches. Withers signed the ball, "To Callen, JMU's #1 fan in the world."

Next the family headed to Godwin Hall to play games alongside the football team as part of the team's Friday walkthrough. Players, decked out in Team Callen shirts, lined up to meet Callen, gave him high fives and remind him, as Withers said, "that he is now part of the JMU football family."

"It's refreshing to see a family unite and battle together," Withers said. "I hope that it teaches our kids that it takes more than one person to battle and if you battle as a team you have the chance to be successful."

Callen is no stranger to constant battle. Less than 24 hours before joining the football team, Callen was in the hospital and the trip to JMU was put in jeopardy.
"Yet here he is today," Katie said. "Kids bounce back so quickly, they don't dwell on what happened yesterday. And we could all take a big lesson from that, to leave yesterday in the past and enjoy the opportunities that are put in front of us right now."

When asked about his favorite part of the day, Callen simply replied "everything." He also made the proud prediction that the Dukes would win on Saturday.

The Dukes were inspired after their time with Callen, commenting on his bravery, positive attitude and incredible strength.

"It's very motivational to see him fighting so hard," said senior Dean Marlowe. "I hope that the Tyson family looks at us as older brothers."

Redshirt junior Vad Lee also shared Marlowe's gratitude for the Tyson's visit, saying, "None of the things we go through compares to fighting for your life everyday. He has to fight for something bigger than this. We respect Callen and his family. We were so glad to have them here to give us that perspective on life."

The evening ended with team dinner in the new Student Success Center. During his pre-dinner speech, Coach Withers recognized Callen and his family as inspiration and role models for the team. Callen then ended the evening by diving into a big bowl of ice cream, resulting in sticky hands and a chocolate-covered mouth.

Tomorrow Callen and the Tyson family will lead the team in the traditional Dog Walk through campus before the game. Callen will also be JMU's representative for the coin toss and be recognized on field during the game.

Looking ahead, Callen has both exciting and challenging times awaiting him. Monday means another round of chemo, but Thursday means Thanksgiving and Callen's fifth birthday. Soon Callen will enter a new phase of treatment, which the Tysons hope will be gentler. Katie sees their time at JMU as a foreshadowing of that.

"This [visit] is kind of an introduction back into life for him," Katie said. "You all have really given us a glimpse of what his future can be like. Thank you just doesn't completely cover everything that we are feeling and wanting to say to you all."

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