Bayler Joel TEAL

2002 - 2010  (7 years)

• Name	Bayler Joel TEAL  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
  Birth	24 Dec 2002	Florence, Florence County, South Carolina   [1, 3, 5]
  Gender	Male
  HIST	Date Published: September 30, 2008 Support grows for cancer patient, 5 By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE — The community continues to rally behind 5-year-old Bayler Teal and his family as he receives chemotherapy treatments at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital for a rare form of childhood cancer that has advanced through much of his body. A Friday morning pancake breakfast at Robert E. Lee Academy raised more than $7,500, said Headmaster Phillip Rizzo. "The worst thing about a small, private school is that tragedy touches everybody," Rizzo said. "But then everybody rises to the occasion. We are family. That's also an advantage of a small school." Parent and volunteer Gina Marther said Robert E. Lee always responds when there's a need. "You're talking about a 5-year-old," Marther said. "Everybody can relate to that." Business Manager Meredith Gaskins said more than 700 plates were served at the fundraiser. "We ran out of food and had to go to the grocery store," she said. "This has even exceeded expectations. There are a lot of struggling families at this school, and these same people are asking, 'What can I do?'" Gaskins said many people came by the school just to give donations. Caroline Kelley, whose 11-year-old daughter Madeline is a sixth-grader, said she didn't mind standing in a long line waiting for breakfast. "I'll stand here as long as it takes," she said. "Something like this makes you thankful that your kids are OK, and it makes you appreciate what you have." The school is also accepting orders for "Pray for Bayler" bracelets. Rizzo said the school is planning a barbecue dinner for the Bayler Teal Fund on Oct. 18. "We're also going to reach out to the community, and get everybody involved," Rizzo said. The community outside of Robert E. Lee Academy is also getting behind the Teal family. Ashwood Nazerne Church held a gospel sing Saturday and accepted donations for Bayler. And Bishopville DJ Tiz Laney has announced a "Shaggin' for Bayler" dance and auction at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Opera House, 109 N. Main St. Admission costs $5, and tickets will be available in advance or at the door. There will be a silent auction, door prizes and a dance contest. Music will be provided by Laney, and a few surprises can be expected, he said. All proceeds will go to support the Teals and whatever medical expenses they incur, Laney said. Donations are also accepted at any First Citizens Bank. Make checks payable to Robert L. Teal for Bayler Teal, representatives said. "I just can't believe the support we've received from the community," said Rob Teal, Bayler's father. "It has meant so much to us." Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. Date Published: September 27, 2008 Gamecocks make special trip to see littlest fan Randy Burns / The Item Volunteers make pancakes during a breakfast fundraiser for 5-year-old Bayler Teal. Bayler was diagnosed with neuroblastoma recently and is receiving chemotherapy. By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE — Bayler Teal received his third consecutive day of chemotherapy Friday at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia, where he has been since Sept. 17. It wasn’t a pleasant experience for the 5-year-old Bishopville resident, who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare and fast-spreading cancer that affects only children. Wednesday, however, was a different matter as the avid South Carolina football fan was visited by several Gamecocks. “It was an awesome experience,” Bayler’s mother, Risha Teal, wrote of the visit on www.caringbridge.org/visit/baylerteal — on which she is updating his condition. “Bayler was kinda of in and out of it, but he knew what was going on,” she wrote. “They brought him a hat and a football that was signed by all of them.” BAYLER TEAL Rob Teal, Bayler’s father, said several Gamecock players, including star defensive back Captain Munnerlyn, returned Thursday morning. “He leaned over and talked to Bayler up close,” Rob said. “Bayler knew who he was. He told Bayler, ‘I’m going to make you a special play on Saturday. I’m going to write your name on my wristband.’ He took a picture of Bayler with his camera and told him that he was going to put his picture up in the Gamecock locker room. When he left the hospital, he had tears in his eyes.” WANT TO HELP? Ashwood Nazerne Church, 2145 Green Lane in Bishopville, will host a gospel fundraiser at 7 p.m. today. All proceeds will go the Bayler Teal Fund. Featured singers will include Mike Barkley, Nancy Wilson and Carol Wilson. Refreshments will be served after the performance. USC Director of Media Relations Steve Fink said someone “tipped off” the football team of Bayler’s condition and his keen interest in the Gamecocks. “Someone wrote a letter to the football office, saying that there was a 5-year-old boy at the hospital who was going through some serious health issues and that he was a big Gamecock fan,” Fink said. “Several players visited him on a couple of occasions. And they also took the time to visit other children at the hospital.” Other Gamecock football players visiting Bayler on Wednesday included Chris Smelley, Steven Garcia, Ryan Succop, Quinton Richardson and Kevin Young, Risha said. The 5-year-old is handling his treatments as well as can be expected, his father said. “Bayler is tough,” he said. “He has had some nausea and some vomiting but not too much. He will have two more days of chemotherapy treatments and then he’ll have a break for 10 days. Then, he’ll receive another five days of chemotherapy in a row. Then he might be able to go home for a while.” Bayler is scheduled to go to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston next month for a type of bone marrow transplant. His bone marrow will be removed. Then it will be frozen and the bad cells will be removed, Rob said. “They’ll put his own bone marrow back in,” he said. Bayler will also receive chemotherapy treatments this fall as an outpatient at the Columbia hospital, Rob said. Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. Date Published: January 2, 2009 Teals optimistic about son’s prognosis By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE — Santa was most generous to Bayler Teal, who celebrated his 6th birthday on Christmas Eve, and to Bridges, his 3-year-old brother. And more importantly, Bayler is feeling better than he has in months. He is full of energy and able to run and play. For his parents Rob and Risha Teal, the best news of all is coming from Bayler’s doctors. He is showing remarkable progress in his fight against cancer. Although not quite halfway through a nine-month chemotherapy regiment, Bayler’s tumor has shrunk to half the size it was when detected on Sept. 17. While his chemotherapy treatments leave him with nausea and diarrhea, Bayler doesn’t let it slow him down. “He goes to the bathroom and then goes back to playing,” Rob said. “He’s wide open.” It was Bayler’s lack of energy that caused the Teals to take their son to the doctor in September. Thinking he might have mononucleosis, they found out instead that Bayler had Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. Doctors gave the family more devastating news. His chances of survival were about one in three, and he would not only have to undergo chemotherapy, but surgery to remove the tumor and a bone marrow transplant, as well. Three months later, the Teals are convinced Bayler is going to come out on top. “I feel like Bayler is going to beat it,” Risha said. “The tumor is getting smaller, and there’s no cancer in the stem cell.” “It’s (treatment) going as good as it can possibly go,” Rob said. “Doctors told us they would not give us false hope, but they have been very encouraging.” The surgery to remove the tumor is scheduled to take place in January at Palmetto Children’s Hospital in Columbia. Doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston have removed Bayler’s bone marrow and the bad cells have been removed from it, Risha said. “It has been frozen and they will put it back in February,” she said. The Teals say they would not have made it this far without the support of the community. Risha quit her job immediately after Bayler was diagnosed with cancer. Rob lost his job as an insurance agent in October because of having to be with his son. Thanks to family, friends and numerous fundraisers sponsored by school, church and community groups, they have managed to pay the bills and make the trips to the doctors. A special fund established at First Citizens Bank has generated donations of about $26,000. That money has not been spent, Risha said. “We’ve had enough people give us donations that we hadn’t had to touch any of Bayler’s money (First Citizens Fund),” she said. “We have that in case something goes wrong.” People all over the world have kept up with Bayler’s condition on a Web site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/baylerteal. Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. Date Published: March 28, 2009 Fundraiser set for 6-year-old cancer patient Photo provided Bayler Teal, 6, continues to battle neuroblastoma, a cancer that has attacked his liver and bone marrow. A fundraiser with music, food and a poker run has been set for April 18 in Sumter. By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com Hundreds of people locally and beyond keep up daily with the progress Bayler Teal, 6, is making in his battle against cancer on a Web site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/baylerteal. Bayler continues to battle neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer that has attacked his liver and bone marrow. Bayler's parents, Rob and Risha Teal, provide regular reports on the Caring Bridges Web site detailing how their son is responding to treatment. Bayler was diagnosed in September with the advanced Type 4 cancer. Since his diagnosis, he has spent more time in the hospital than out. He has had chemotherapy, surgery and a stem cell transplant. While the prognosis is still uncertain, the Teals have never "let go of their faith." The strength shown by Bayler, his brother Bridges, parents, grandparents and the entire family has been the "talk of the town." Bayler faces continued further treatment, which is still being determined by his doctors. At least for awhile, Bayler will spend some time at home in Bishopville. The 6-year-old was discharged from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston on Monday, and moved around the block to the Ronald McDonald House. He is expected to return home soon. While Bayler and his family face the day-to-day struggles of battling cancer, the community continues to rally around them. Sumter will be the site of a major community event scheduled for April 18 at Jack's Superette on U.S. 15 about five miles south of downtown. Beginning at noon and continuing until 9 p.m., there will be live country and bluegrass music and barbecue chicken plates for sale. There will also be a charity poker run beginning at noon with a $20-per-bike charge to participants. "We hope to have about 200 bikers participate in the poker run," said event organizer Roy Reaves. Reaves, a truck driver and a bluegrass musician, said Bayler's story has touched the Sumter community. "Most of the food and drinks have been donated by Sumter businesses," he said. "Everybody is getting behind us on this." Leonard's Music on Broad Street and Piggly Wiggly are major sponsors for the event, he said. Reaves, who is also a bike rider, will have to sit out of the poker run. "My band, the Kentucky Coalminers, will be playing," he said. "I'll be running around like a chicken with his head cut off." Also scheduled to perform will be several other bands, including Timberline. Sumter's April 18 fundraiser is one of many that have been held in the area for the Lee County youngster and his family. A special fund established at First Citizens Bank in Bishopville has generated donations of more than $25,000. For more information, contact Reaves at (803) 840-4225. Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. BAYLER TEAL BISHOPVILLE - Funeral services for Bayler Joel Teal, 71/2, who passed away Thursday, June 24, 2010, will be held 5 p.m. Sunday at Savannah Advent Christian Church. The Revs. Ryan Riley and Sam Stevens will officiate. Burial will be in Piedmont Cemetery, directed by Norton Funeral Home. Visitation for the family will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the residence, 324 S. Heyward St., Bishopville, and for viewing of Bayler from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville. Bayler was born in Florence and was a son of Robert L. and Risha Rhodes Teal. He was a second-grade student at Robert E. Lee Academy. He was a special child with a loving nature; an avid Gamecock fan; loved his horse, Two-Bits; and was a big brother to his little brother Bridges. Surviving are his parents and brother, Robert Bridges Teal II, of Bishopville; maternal grandparents, Larry and Sandy Matuse, and Ricky and Della Rhodes, all of Hartsville; paternal grandparents, Ronald and Daphne Teal of Bishopville; and maternal great-grandmother, Virginia Rhodes of Hartsville. Special thanks to the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital staff. Memorials may be made to Bayler's Prayer, 324 S. Heyward St., Bishopville, SC 29010. www.nortonfh.net A very brave fan inspires Carolina PR Posted: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 6:00 am | Updated: 10:54 pm, Mon Jun 28, 2010. By TRAVIS HANEY The Post and Courier OMAHA, Neb. - The word "survival" is kicked around quite a bit here, concerning baseball teams trying to extend their stays in the College World Series. It's such a silly word to use, really. Half a country away, in Bishopville, a grieving family laid a little boy to rest Sunday. Bayler Teal, just 7 years old, lost his fight with cancer Thursday. And baseball teams are talking about living and dying with pitches? "Life's such a fragile thing," South Carolina associate head coach Chad Holbrook said Sunday. "What you accomplish on the field is such a small part of the whole picture of life. When a 7-year-old kid loses his life, it just puts things in perspective." Holbrook is the link between USC's baseball team, which began a best-of-three series Monday night against UCLA for the NCAA championship, and Bayler. Holbrook, 39, understands that perspective from personal experience. A few years ago, there were no guarantees that Holbrook's youngest son, Reece, would emerge from leukemia's grip. Reece is now happy, healthy and in remission. But that doesn't mean Holbrook ever stops thinking about what his family has been through - and could go through again at a moment's notice. As an extension of that, he's acutely aware of hurting families in South Carolina and beyond. He reached out to the Teals in 2008, just after Bayler was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Holbrook, in effect, invited them to be part of the team. Through some invasive treatment, Bayler's condition improved for a time, allowing him to assume something close to a normal lifestyle. He even got to play some baseball - and he was good at it. In March, Bayler was invited to throw out a first pitch at Carolina Stadium. Things were looking up. The thing about cancer, though, is it steals your joy. And it does so quickly, without warning and without empathy. By late April, the monster had returned in a big way. Upon hearing that, Holbrook told the Teals that the Gamecocks would dedicate their series against Georgia to Bayler. USC went out and swept the Bulldogs. Then, just before the NCAA Tournament super regional at Coastal Carolina two weeks ago, the Gamecocks heard Bayler had taken another turn. Again vowing to play for Bayler, they went out and won two games against a talented Chanticleers team, reaching the College World Series for the first time since 2004. Before they left for Nebraska, the Gamecocks told Bayler they were dedicating their play in Omaha to him. "He was so excited," his father, Rob Teal, said last week. "He understands they're playing for him. He tells everybody." USC dropped its first game at the College World Series to Oklahoma. But it rallied two days later to keep playing in this double-elimination event by defeating Arizona State, the tournament's top-ranked team. The Gamecocks took the field Thursday against Oklahoma, again needing a win to avoid elimination. That just so happened to be the day Bayler died. Holbrook kept that to himself, not wanting to emotionally throw off the Gamecocks going into the game. So, imagine Holbrook's feelings as he watched USC, down to its final out - and strike - in the 12th inning, trailing by a run. Imagine, then, as he saw two base hits deliver one of the school's most dramatic and important wins, in any sport. It was a lot to process. That night, Holbrook said, "Time stood still." "I was numb. I was just numb," he said. "It's hard to describe it. I knew someone was looking out for us." Still facing elimination, though, USC needed to defeat Clemson on Friday and Saturday to continue its run. It did. Not only that, but how about a left-handed relief pitcher giving the Gamecocks a complete-game, three-hit performance in that first win against the Tigers? It was Michael Roth's first start since April 2009, and the longest outing of his career as a Gamecock. On his hat, Roth sported the initials "BT" - for Bayler Teal. "That just gave you chills, to watch him keep pitching like that," Rob Teal said. "It's hard to put into words how uplifting it is. It's like celebrating his life, knowing he touched those players." And while it looked at times as if the Gamecocks might let Saturday's deciding game slip away, Sam Dyson and former Sumter High and Sumter P-15's standout Matt Price - who have combined to throw 360 pitches in Omaha - gutted through to the end. "We never gave up, like Bayler," junior outfielder Whit Merrifield said. "We're a team playing inspired." That's obvious - and glaringly so from the Teals' home in Bishopville. "It brings tears to my eyes, but they're happy tears," Rob Teal said. "These last two nights could've been the worst two nights of my life, but instead I've been watching the games and thinking that Bayler's there with them. I know he's there. It's made it a lot better." And it's about to improve even more. Rob Teal, 28, his wife Risha Teal, also 28, and 5-year-old Bridges made their way out to Omaha. They were expected to be here Monday evening at Rosenblatt Stadium when the Gamecocks and Bruins began playing for the national title. "We're honored that we're in a position that we can give their family some happiness," Holbrook said. For Bayler, there will be no first car, no first love. No high school football games or proms. No college. No wedding. It's unfair. It doesn't make sense, any of it. But stop and consider this: In just seven years on this planet, Bayler Teal made a footprint that'll stick around forever. Little Bayler has a legacy, and it's hitched to this USC baseball team. Wherever he is, he's willing the Gamecocks to victories. He's taught them the true definition of survival. And Bayler isn't done. "We've never won a national championship in any sport that matters," Rob Teal said. "If I had money to bet, I'd bet we'll win this thing. I've got this feeling." Posted in News, Local news on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 7-year-old loses battle with cancer Posted: Friday, June 25, 2010 8:18 am | Updated: 12:34 pm, Fri Jun 25, 2010. By RANDY BURNS rburns@theitem.com A 7-year-old Bishopville boy has lost a 2-year battle with cancer. Bayler Teal, son of Rob and Risha Teal, died Thursday night at a Columbia hospital. Diagnosed with a severe type of neuroblastoma in September 2008, Bayler has spent much of the past two years in and out of hospitals. Bayler's story touched the hearts of not only family and friends, but the entire community. The Teal family, members of Savannah Advent Christian Church, never lost their faith in God, said Ryan Riley, the pastor. Posted in News, Local news on Friday, June 25, 2010  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
  HIST	Date Published: September 30, 2008 Support grows for cancer patient, 5 By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE — The community continues to rally behind 5-year-old Bayler Teal and his family as he receives chemotherapy treatments at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital for a rare form of childhood cancer that has advanced through much of his body. A Friday morning pancake breakfast at Robert E. Lee Academy raised more than $7,500, said Headmaster Phillip Rizzo. "The worst thing about a small, private school is that tragedy touches everybody," Rizzo said. "But then everybody rises to the occasion. We are family. That's also an advantage of a small school." Parent and volunteer Gina Marther said Robert E. Lee always responds when there's a need. "You're talking about a 5-year-old," Marther said. "Everybody can relate to that." Business Manager Meredith Gaskins said more than 700 plates were served at the fundraiser. "We ran out of food and had to go to the grocery store," she said. "This has even exceeded expectations. There are a lot of struggling families at this school, and these same people are asking, 'What can I do?'" Gaskins said many people came by the school just to give donations. Caroline Kelley, whose 11-year-old daughter Madeline is a sixth-grader, said she didn't mind standing in a long line waiting for breakfast. "I'll stand here as long as it takes," she said. "Something like this makes you thankful that your kids are OK, and it makes you appreciate what you have." The school is also accepting orders for "Pray for Bayler" bracelets. Rizzo said the school is planning a barbecue dinner for the Bayler Teal Fund on Oct. 18. "We're also going to reach out to the community, and get everybody involved," Rizzo said. The community outside of Robert E. Lee Academy is also getting behind the Teal family. Ashwood Nazerne Church held a gospel sing Saturday and accepted donations for Bayler. And Bishopville DJ Tiz Laney has announced a "Shaggin' for Bayler" dance and auction at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Opera House, 109 N. Main St. Admission costs $5, and tickets will be available in advance or at the door. There will be a silent auction, door prizes and a dance contest. Music will be provided by Laney, and a few surprises can be expected, he said. All proceeds will go to support the Teals and whatever medical expenses they incur, Laney said. Donations are also accepted at any First Citizens Bank. Make checks payable to Robert L. Teal for Bayler Teal, representatives said. "I just can't believe the support we've received from the community," said Rob Teal, Bayler's father. "It has meant so much to us." Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. Date Published: September 27, 2008 Gamecocks make special trip to see littlest fan Randy Burns / The Item Volunteers make pancakes during a breakfast fundraiser for 5-year-old Bayler Teal. Bayler was diagnosed with neuroblastoma recently and is receiving chemotherapy. By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE — Bayler Teal received his third consecutive day of chemotherapy Friday at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia, where he has been since Sept. 17. It wasn’t a pleasant experience for the 5-year-old Bishopville resident, who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare and fast-spreading cancer that affects only children. Wednesday, however, was a different matter as the avid South Carolina football fan was visited by several Gamecocks. “It was an awesome experience,” Bayler’s mother, Risha Teal, wrote of the visit on www.caringbridge.org/visit/baylerteal — on which she is updating his condition. “Bayler was kinda of in and out of it, but he knew what was going on,” she wrote. “They brought him a hat and a football that was signed by all of them.” BAYLER TEAL Rob Teal, Bayler’s father, said several Gamecock players, including star defensive back Captain Munnerlyn, returned Thursday morning. “He leaned over and talked to Bayler up close,” Rob said. “Bayler knew who he was. He told Bayler, ‘I’m going to make you a special play on Saturday. I’m going to write your name on my wristband.’ He took a picture of Bayler with his camera and told him that he was going to put his picture up in the Gamecock locker room. When he left the hospital, he had tears in his eyes.” WANT TO HELP? Ashwood Nazerne Church, 2145 Green Lane in Bishopville, will host a gospel fundraiser at 7 p.m. today. All proceeds will go the Bayler Teal Fund. Featured singers will include Mike Barkley, Nancy Wilson and Carol Wilson. Refreshments will be served after the performance. USC Director of Media Relations Steve Fink said someone “tipped off” the football team of Bayler’s condition and his keen interest in the Gamecocks. “Someone wrote a letter to the football office, saying that there was a 5-year-old boy at the hospital who was going through some serious health issues and that he was a big Gamecock fan,” Fink said. “Several players visited him on a couple of occasions. And they also took the time to visit other children at the hospital.” Other Gamecock football players visiting Bayler on Wednesday included Chris Smelley, Steven Garcia, Ryan Succop, Quinton Richardson and Kevin Young, Risha said. The 5-year-old is handling his treatments as well as can be expected, his father said. “Bayler is tough,” he said. “He has had some nausea and some vomiting but not too much. He will have two more days of chemotherapy treatments and then he’ll have a break for 10 days. Then, he’ll receive another five days of chemotherapy in a row. Then he might be able to go home for a while.” Bayler is scheduled to go to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston next month for a type of bone marrow transplant. His bone marrow will be removed. Then it will be frozen and the bad cells will be removed, Rob said. “They’ll put his own bone marrow back in,” he said. Bayler will also receive chemotherapy treatments this fall as an outpatient at the Columbia hospital, Rob said. Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. Date Published: January 2, 2009 Teals optimistic about son’s prognosis By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com BISHOPVILLE — Santa was most generous to Bayler Teal, who celebrated his 6th birthday on Christmas Eve, and to Bridges, his 3-year-old brother. And more importantly, Bayler is feeling better than he has in months. He is full of energy and able to run and play. For his parents Rob and Risha Teal, the best news of all is coming from Bayler’s doctors. He is showing remarkable progress in his fight against cancer. Although not quite halfway through a nine-month chemotherapy regiment, Bayler’s tumor has shrunk to half the size it was when detected on Sept. 17. While his chemotherapy treatments leave him with nausea and diarrhea, Bayler doesn’t let it slow him down. “He goes to the bathroom and then goes back to playing,” Rob said. “He’s wide open.” It was Bayler’s lack of energy that caused the Teals to take their son to the doctor in September. Thinking he might have mononucleosis, they found out instead that Bayler had Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. Doctors gave the family more devastating news. His chances of survival were about one in three, and he would not only have to undergo chemotherapy, but surgery to remove the tumor and a bone marrow transplant, as well. Three months later, the Teals are convinced Bayler is going to come out on top. “I feel like Bayler is going to beat it,” Risha said. “The tumor is getting smaller, and there’s no cancer in the stem cell.” “It’s (treatment) going as good as it can possibly go,” Rob said. “Doctors told us they would not give us false hope, but they have been very encouraging.” The surgery to remove the tumor is scheduled to take place in January at Palmetto Children’s Hospital in Columbia. Doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston have removed Bayler’s bone marrow and the bad cells have been removed from it, Risha said. “It has been frozen and they will put it back in February,” she said. The Teals say they would not have made it this far without the support of the community. Risha quit her job immediately after Bayler was diagnosed with cancer. Rob lost his job as an insurance agent in October because of having to be with his son. Thanks to family, friends and numerous fundraisers sponsored by school, church and community groups, they have managed to pay the bills and make the trips to the doctors. A special fund established at First Citizens Bank has generated donations of about $26,000. That money has not been spent, Risha said. “We’ve had enough people give us donations that we hadn’t had to touch any of Bayler’s money (First Citizens Fund),” she said. “We have that in case something goes wrong.” People all over the world have kept up with Bayler’s condition on a Web site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/baylerteal. Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. Date Published: March 28, 2009 Fundraiser set for 6-year-old cancer patient Photo provided Bayler Teal, 6, continues to battle neuroblastoma, a cancer that has attacked his liver and bone marrow. A fundraiser with music, food and a poker run has been set for April 18 in Sumter. By RANDY BURNS Item Staff Writer rburns@theitem.com Hundreds of people locally and beyond keep up daily with the progress Bayler Teal, 6, is making in his battle against cancer on a Web site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/baylerteal. Bayler continues to battle neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer that has attacked his liver and bone marrow. Bayler's parents, Rob and Risha Teal, provide regular reports on the Caring Bridges Web site detailing how their son is responding to treatment. Bayler was diagnosed in September with the advanced Type 4 cancer. Since his diagnosis, he has spent more time in the hospital than out. He has had chemotherapy, surgery and a stem cell transplant. While the prognosis is still uncertain, the Teals have never "let go of their faith." The strength shown by Bayler, his brother Bridges, parents, grandparents and the entire family has been the "talk of the town." Bayler faces continued further treatment, which is still being determined by his doctors. At least for awhile, Bayler will spend some time at home in Bishopville. The 6-year-old was discharged from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston on Monday, and moved around the block to the Ronald McDonald House. He is expected to return home soon. While Bayler and his family face the day-to-day struggles of battling cancer, the community continues to rally around them. Sumter will be the site of a major community event scheduled for April 18 at Jack's Superette on U.S. 15 about five miles south of downtown. Beginning at noon and continuing until 9 p.m., there will be live country and bluegrass music and barbecue chicken plates for sale. There will also be a charity poker run beginning at noon with a $20-per-bike charge to participants. "We hope to have about 200 bikers participate in the poker run," said event organizer Roy Reaves. Reaves, a truck driver and a bluegrass musician, said Bayler's story has touched the Sumter community. "Most of the food and drinks have been donated by Sumter businesses," he said. "Everybody is getting behind us on this." Leonard's Music on Broad Street and Piggly Wiggly are major sponsors for the event, he said. Reaves, who is also a bike rider, will have to sit out of the poker run. "My band, the Kentucky Coalminers, will be playing," he said. "I'll be running around like a chicken with his head cut off." Also scheduled to perform will be several other bands, including Timberline. Sumter's April 18 fundraiser is one of many that have been held in the area for the Lee County youngster and his family. A special fund established at First Citizens Bank in Bishopville has generated donations of more than $25,000. For more information, contact Reaves at (803) 840-4225. Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533. BAYLER TEAL BISHOPVILLE - Funeral services for Bayler Joel Teal, 71/2, who passed away Thursday, June 24, 2010, will be held 5 p.m. Sunday at Savannah Advent Christian Church. The Revs. Ryan Riley and Sam Stevens will officiate. Burial will be in Piedmont Cemetery, directed by Norton Funeral Home. Visitation for the family will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the residence, 324 S. Heyward St., Bishopville, and for viewing of Bayler from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville. Bayler was born in Florence and was a son of Robert L. and Risha Rhodes Teal. He was a second-grade student at Robert E. Lee Academy. He was a special child with a loving nature; an avid Gamecock fan; loved his horse, Two-Bits; and was a big brother to his little brother Bridges. Surviving are his parents and brother, Robert Bridges Teal II, of Bishopville; maternal grandparents, Larry and Sandy Matuse, and Ricky and Della Rhodes, all of Hartsville; paternal grandparents, Ronald and Daphne Teal of Bishopville; and maternal great-grandmother, Virginia Rhodes of Hartsville. Special thanks to the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital staff. Memorials may be made to Bayler's Prayer, 324 S. Heyward St., Bishopville, SC 29010. www.nortonfh.net A very brave fan inspires Carolina PR Posted: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 6:00 am | Updated: 10:54 pm, Mon Jun 28, 2010. By TRAVIS HANEY The Post and Courier OMAHA, Neb. - The word "survival" is kicked around quite a bit here, concerning baseball teams trying to extend their stays in the College World Series. It's such a silly word to use, really. Half a country away, in Bishopville, a grieving family laid a little boy to rest Sunday. Bayler Teal, just 7 years old, lost his fight with cancer Thursday. And baseball teams are talking about living and dying with pitches? "Life's such a fragile thing," South Carolina associate head coach Chad Holbrook said Sunday. "What you accomplish on the field is such a small part of the whole picture of life. When a 7-year-old kid loses his life, it just puts things in perspective." Holbrook is the link between USC's baseball team, which began a best-of-three series Monday night against UCLA for the NCAA championship, and Bayler. Holbrook, 39, understands that perspective from personal experience. A few years ago, there were no guarantees that Holbrook's youngest son, Reece, would emerge from leukemia's grip. Reece is now happy, healthy and in remission. But that doesn't mean Holbrook ever stops thinking about what his family has been through - and could go through again at a moment's notice. As an extension of that, he's acutely aware of hurting families in South Carolina and beyond. He reached out to the Teals in 2008, just after Bayler was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Holbrook, in effect, invited them to be part of the team. Through some invasive treatment, Bayler's condition improved for a time, allowing him to assume something close to a normal lifestyle. He even got to play some baseball - and he was good at it. In March, Bayler was invited to throw out a first pitch at Carolina Stadium. Things were looking up. The thing about cancer, though, is it steals your joy. And it does so quickly, without warning and without empathy. By late April, the monster had returned in a big way. Upon hearing that, Holbrook told the Teals that the Gamecocks would dedicate their series against Georgia to Bayler. USC went out and swept the Bulldogs. Then, just before the NCAA Tournament super regional at Coastal Carolina two weeks ago, the Gamecocks heard Bayler had taken another turn. Again vowing to play for Bayler, they went out and won two games against a talented Chanticleers team, reaching the College World Series for the first time since 2004. Before they left for Nebraska, the Gamecocks told Bayler they were dedicating their play in Omaha to him. "He was so excited," his father, Rob Teal, said last week. "He understands they're playing for him. He tells everybody." USC dropped its first game at the College World Series to Oklahoma. But it rallied two days later to keep playing in this double-elimination event by defeating Arizona State, the tournament's top-ranked team. The Gamecocks took the field Thursday against Oklahoma, again needing a win to avoid elimination. That just so happened to be the day Bayler died. Holbrook kept that to himself, not wanting to emotionally throw off the Gamecocks going into the game. So, imagine Holbrook's feelings as he watched USC, down to its final out - and strike - in the 12th inning, trailing by a run. Imagine, then, as he saw two base hits deliver one of the school's most dramatic and important wins, in any sport. It was a lot to process. That night, Holbrook said, "Time stood still." "I was numb. I was just numb," he said. "It's hard to describe it. I knew someone was looking out for us." Still facing elimination, though, USC needed to defeat Clemson on Friday and Saturday to continue its run. It did. Not only that, but how about a left-handed relief pitcher giving the Gamecocks a complete-game, three-hit performance in that first win against the Tigers? It was Michael Roth's first start since April 2009, and the longest outing of his career as a Gamecock. On his hat, Roth sported the initials "BT" - for Bayler Teal. "That just gave you chills, to watch him keep pitching like that," Rob Teal said. "It's hard to put into words how uplifting it is. It's like celebrating his life, knowing he touched those players." And while it looked at times as if the Gamecocks might let Saturday's deciding game slip away, Sam Dyson and former Sumter High and Sumter P-15's standout Matt Price - who have combined to throw 360 pitches in Omaha - gutted through to the end. "We never gave up, like Bayler," junior outfielder Whit Merrifield said. "We're a team playing inspired." That's obvious - and glaringly so from the Teals' home in Bishopville. "It brings tears to my eyes, but they're happy tears," Rob Teal said. "These last two nights could've been the worst two nights of my life, but instead I've been watching the games and thinking that Bayler's there with them. I know he's there. It's made it a lot better." And it's about to improve even more. Rob Teal, 28, his wife Risha Teal, also 28, and 5-year-old Bridges made their way out to Omaha. They were expected to be here Monday evening at Rosenblatt Stadium when the Gamecocks and Bruins began playing for the national title. "We're honored that we're in a position that we can give their family some happiness," Holbrook said. For Bayler, there will be no first car, no first love. No high school football games or proms. No college. No wedding. It's unfair. It doesn't make sense, any of it. But stop and consider this: In just seven years on this planet, Bayler Teal made a footprint that'll stick around forever. Little Bayler has a legacy, and it's hitched to this USC baseball team. Wherever he is, he's willing the Gamecocks to victories. He's taught them the true definition of survival. And Bayler isn't done. "We've never won a national championship in any sport that matters," Rob Teal said. "If I had money to bet, I'd bet we'll win this thing. I've got this feeling." Posted in News, Local news on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 7-year-old loses battle with cancer Posted: Friday, June 25, 2010 8:18 am | Updated: 12:34 pm, Fri Jun 25, 2010. By RANDY BURNS rburns@theitem.com A 7-year-old Bishopville boy has lost a 2-year battle with cancer. Bayler Teal, son of Rob and Risha Teal, died Thursday night at a Columbia hospital. Diagnosed with a severe type of neuroblastoma in September 2008, Bayler has spent much of the past two years in and out of hospitals. Bayler's story touched the hearts of not only family and friends, but the entire community. The Teal family, members of Savannah Advent Christian Church, never lost their faith in God, said Ryan Riley, the pastor. Posted in News, Local news on Friday, June 25, 2010
  _UID	6BB5EDCCD5434D5881D2BF648EF7F7EC74BF
  _UID	6BB5EDCCD5434D5881D2BF648EF7F7EC74BF
  Death	24 Jun 2010
  Burial	27 Jun 2010	Piedmont Cemetery   [5]
  	Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville, South Carolina Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville, South Carolina
  Person ID	I229725	Singleton and Related Families
  Last Modified	3 Jul 2010

  
  

  Father	Robert L. “Rob” TEAL
  Mother	Risha RHODES
  Marriage	5 Jun 1994  [8]
  _UID	B6BD39579FF94BFF8B6CFECF522715265D60
  _UID	B6BD39579FF94BFF8B6CFECF522715265D60
  Family ID	F155255	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Sources

  [S11074] Support grows for cancer patient, 5. [S11093] Gamecocks make special trip to see littlest fan. [S11570] Teals optimistic about son’s prognosis. [S11969] Fundraiser set for 6-year-old cancer patient. [S14481] Bayler Teal. [S14483] A very brave fan inspires Carolina. [S14484] Bishopville boy, 7, loses cancer battle. [S14482] Rhodes-Teal.