Tyson David Lazenby was born on June 19th, 2018, a day the world gained a beam of sunshine. He came into life with a spark in his eyes, a laugh that could melt even the hardest hearts, and a spirit that seemed far too big for his small frame. For six years, Tyson lived not just as a child, but as a reminder of what pure love and courage truly look like.
When Tyson was diagnosed with Adrenocortical Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, he was barely four. Most children at that age were learning letters or dreaming of playground adventures. But Tyson’s playground became hospital corridors, his adventures measured in treatments, scans, and prayers. And yet, through every storm, Tyson smiled. He smiled at nurses, at his brothers, at his parents, and even at strangers who came to visit. His laughter, light and infectious, echoed through the halls like music that refused to fade.
His parents, Collin and Suzanne Taylor Lazenby, often said Tyson was their teacher. He showed them that even when life seems unfair, love can still fill every corner of the room. His brothers, Parker and Carson, learned from him what it means to be brave — not the kind of bravery that shouts, but the quiet kind that keeps holding on, day after day.
Tyson’s days were filled with camping trips under the stars, family adventures, and magical visits to Disneyland. He adored Goofy’s Kitchen, where he’d laugh until his cheeks turned red. He collected Pokémon cards with fierce pride, believing that every new pack might hold something magical. Everywhere he went, he carried his famous “Tyson hug” — a tight, loving embrace that said everything words could not.
Doctors often called him a miracle. He defied odds, outlasted predictions, and brought joy into hospital rooms that had forgotten how to smile. When asked if he ever had a bad day, Tyson once said, “I don’t think so.” And everyone who knew him believed it because he meant it. He truly lived as if every sunrise was a gift, every laugh was sacred, and every hug was forever.
As the months turned into years, Tyson’s battle grew harder. His body grew tired, but his soul never did. He still found ways to make others laugh with sneaky pranks, silly jokes, and that cheeky grin that seemed to whisper, “I’m okay, don’t worry.”
When Tyson’s final day came on September 25th, 2024, his family said the world seemed to hold its breath. It was as if Heaven itself paused, waiting to welcome home one of its bravest angels. “Our sweet boy returned to Heaven on September 25th,” his mother Suzanne wrote. Though her words were filled with heartbreak, they also carried peace — the peace that comes from knowing Tyson was finally free, free from pain, free to run, to laugh, to fly.
Tyson’s family expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Douglas Fair, Dr. Caleb Hocutt, the teams at Primary Children’s Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Intermountain Homecare and Hospice. They were the people who helped give Tyson’s family something priceless: time. Time to camp again. Time to play. Time to fill every moment with love, laughter, and life.
A celebration of Tyson’s life was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Syracuse South Stake Center. Family and friends gathered not to say goodbye, but to say thank you. Thank you to a boy who, in six short years, taught the world how to live fully, love deeply, and smile through the hardest days. A family prayer was held before the service, and Tyson was later laid to rest at Kaysville Cemetery, surrounded by flowers, soft toys, and the warmth of those who loved him. The service was streamed live so even those who couldn’t attend could witness his light — a light that continues to shine through every memory, every story, and every heart he touched. Somewhere beyond the clouds, maybe Tyson is still laughing, still giving his famous hugs, still spreading joy — the same way he always did. Because angels don’t stop shining. They just move their light to another sky.
Fly high, Tyson. Forever six. Forever loved.
In another story of courage, a mother dog had carved out a fragile world for herself and her newborn puppies deep in the forest. Each day was a battle for survival. She scavenged for scraps, seeking nourishment wherever she could find it, her instincts razor-sharp as she guided her tiny litter through a harsh, indifferent landscape. The puppies, barely able to see or move, huddled together under her warmth, their fragile bodies trembling in the cold. To them, she was everything — a protector, a source of food, and the only comfort in a world that had not been kind to them.
Life for the small family was quiet, tense, and lonely. The mother dog had known humans only as threats, forces that could take her children away or harm her. Yet, even in this constant fear, she did what she could to nurture her babies. She licked them clean, kept them close, and braved long, empty nights to find sustenance. Each day was a delicate balance between feeding herself and her puppies, between staying hidden and finding safety.
One day, a group of hikers stumbled across the tiny family. At first, the mother barked and growled, her fear palpable. She backed against a tree, teeth bared, eyes wide with terror. But the hikers moved gently, spoke in soft tones, crouched at a distance, and offered food. Slowly, trust began to grow. The mother watched as her puppies were lifted carefully, trembling but safe. She could feel the weight of their safety, and something inside her softened.
When the family arrived at the shelter, change was gradual but profound. The mother dog, who had spent her life in constant vigilance, began to relax. She explored the fenced yard cautiously at first, but soon she lay in the sun, letting the warmth touch her without fear. The puppies discovered toys, soft bedding, and gentle hands that caressed rather than frightened them. They grew stronger, more playful, their personalities shining through. The mother learned to play, accept affection, and rest without looking over her shoulder.
Over the following months, the shelter staff worked tirelessly to find homes for the family. Puppies were adopted, each finding a family ready to love them unconditionally. The mother, patient and gentle, waited until her children had homes before finding a place where she could be cherished. Her eyes, once wary and guarded, now glimmered with quiet trust and a hint of joy she had never known.
What began in the shadows of the forest, a desperate struggle for survival, ended in a testament to human kindness. With patience, care, and understanding, hope had been given a chance to grow. The mother dog and her puppies had survived not just by instinct, but through the kindness of strangers willing to reach out and offer safety. Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest places, love and compassion can create a brighter future, one life at a time.
