Kyler Bradley, Fairfield Twp. boy battling brain cancer, returns home

Kirk Bradley talks with his son, Kyler Bradley, during a fundraiser in October. Kyler has DIPG, an inoperable brain cancer that attacks brain stems and nervous system functions. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

Kirk Bradley talks with his son, Kyler Bradley, during a fundraiser in October. Kyler has DIPG, an inoperable brain cancer that attacks brain stems and nervous system functions. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

Rainy weather was no deterrent for dozens of supporters who welcomed home Kyler Bradley, the 10-year-old Fairfield Twp. boy battling the same type of brain cancer that claimed Lauren Hill's life.

Kyler was released from the hospital last Friday and got a ride home in a Fairfield Twp. Fire Department truck, along with a police escort. His supporters lined the streets near his house.

“I think he was amazed to see everybody,” his mother, Rebecca Bradley, told our news partner WCPO 9 On Your Side. “And to see him wave to everybody was just unbelievable. I mean, he’s not the same kid that went in, but he is definitely an unbelievable kid coming out.”

The cancer has devastated Kyler’s body in a short period of time. He became wheelchair-bound in less than 10 days from his diagnosis as the tumor attacked his brain stems, weakening his nervous system’s functions.

DIPG is the same terminal brain cancer that former Mount St. Joseph basketball player Lauren Hill died from April 10 when she was 19 years old. Hill was responsible for raising $1 million for pediatric cancer research for The Cure Starts Now Foundation.

“We’ll continue to fight,” his dad Kirk Bradley told WCPO, “and he’s definitely a super hero, but my son right here is — he’s been through a lot.”

In addition to Friday's homecoming, Kyler's community has been looking to lift his spirits in other ways, too.

Missy Muller, assistant principal at Kyler's school, told the Journal-News that people have donated items like Pokemon cards because Kyler is a fan.