'Team Tyman' Helping Rural Cancer Patients Travel For Treatment

A Holdenville mother turns her grief over the death of her son into much-needed help for rural cancer patients all over the state.

Connie Merriman’s son, 24-year-old Tyler, died from bone cancer in 2014, after a four-year fight. Tyler was studying to be an engineer at OSU.

Last year, Connie’s family founded “Team Tyman”. They distribute $25 gas cards to rural cancer patients all over the state. 

The gas cards help lift financial burden of people who live outside of the metro who face challenges getting to and from cancer treatment appointments.

“You know, when your heart’s broken, and you lost someone, especially a child, I don’t think it gets any easier,” Merriman said. “But you sure get a lot stronger.” 

Since “Team Tyman” started in 2015, they’ve raised more than $85,000, and handed out 487 gas cards to 87 rural cancer patients, according to Merriman. 

If you’d like more information, go to TeamTyman.com.