In early October 2025, Tyler Reddick and his partner Alexa DeLeon encountered a severe personal crisis as their newborn son, Rookie George Reddick, was diagnosed with a kidney tumor. While Tyler Reddick captured the pole position at Charlotte’s Roval elimination race for 23XI Racing, the family’s joy was overshadowed by Rookie’s health emergency. The Tyler Reddick newborn health crisis unfolded publicly, drawing support from NASCAR circles and igniting concern across the racing community.
How Rookie’s Symptoms Escalated and the Doctor’s Diagnosis
Tyler Reddick and Alexa DeLeon welcomed Rookie in late May. For his first months, the baby showed no alarming signs. However, during the summer, Alexa DeLeon sensed something was wrong, prompting repeated doctor visits as the parents searched for answers. Unsatisfied with previous outcomes, they took their son to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. Medical teams there discovered that Rookie was showing symptoms of heart failure, setting off immediate concern and intervention.
Alexa Reddick explained the progression in an October update:
“Rookie has a tumor that’s “choking” the renal vein & renal artery. Telling the heart
“hey I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder.”
Causing the enlarged heart. He will need the entire kidney removed as it is not believed to be functioning any longer.” – Alexa Reddick
The family learned that a mass had formed on Rookie’s right kidney, severely hindering blood flow. This obstruction forced Rookie’s heart to compensate by working much harder than normal, leading to an enlarged and strained cardiac muscle. After reviewing all risks, doctors determined the kidney was now nonfunctional and would have to be removed.
Describing the next stages in her update, Alexa added:
“He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We’re just not sure when. Waiting is ok right now to give his heart a break while he’s on BP medication. They expect his heart to fully recover because it was just an innocent bystander. We have answers but a journey ahead to bring our little Cookie home. We’re happy, we’re talking, blowing bubbles, playing,& interacting with every nurse & doctor that comes in his room. Thank you thank you to everyone who’s reached out. I see your kind words,”
– Alexa Reddick
Alexa’s words illustrated the shock, gratitude, and hope with which the family is facing the ordeal, as well as their appreciation for public support.
Understanding the Medical Threat and Tumor’s Impact
By that Sunday, Tyler and Alexa received a full diagnosis from specialists. An MRI confirmed the presence of a sizable tumor against Rookie’s right kidney, constricting both the renal artery and vein. As a direct result, the mass caused structural heart changes, and the baby’s right kidney was no longer performing. Doctors prescribed blood pressure medication to reduce strain, preparing for surgery but allowing time for Rookie’s heart to recover as much as possible first.
Pediatricians who specialize in infant cases like this explained that kidney tumors, often mesoblastic nephromas or Wilms’ tumor in infants, commonly lead to increased blood pressure and cardiac overload. The Reddicks remained transparent with fans and the NASCAR community throughout the ordeal, and on Saturday, Tyler Reddick provided his own perspective during an interview:
“Healthier is probably not the right word, but I’ve never seen him happier. His color looks good. He’s gained weight. A lot of things are going well. All that being said, some of the tougher moments are definitely ahead. We’re definitely not in the clear. There are some things we need to get through first.”
– Tyler Reddick
Amid fears, the Reddicks took solace in Rookie’s resilience—remarking on his weight gain, improved color, and lively spirit despite looming surgery.
Surgical Plans: Preparing Rookie for Major Operation
With the difficult diagnosis in hand, the primary focus shifted to treatment. Surgeons at Levine Children’s Hospital planned an open nephrectomy, a significant abdominal operation to remove Rookie’s right kidney and the attached tumor. Given Rookie’s young age—only four months—the medical team emphasized caution. His other kidney appeared healthy, meaning he could live a full life with one functioning renal organ, but surgery on a patient this small comes with substantial risk.
Doctors intend to allow Rookie’s heart time to recover with blood pressure medications before moving to operate. The family is preparing for upcoming challenges during the hospital stay, but Tyler Reddick highlighted the moments of hope they have found amid uncertainty:
“On one hand, I’m really happy and it makes me feel great that he’s doing much better right now, but certainly we have some hurdles we have to get through first before we’re even thinking about leaving the hospital or thinking about what comes next.”
– Tyler Reddick
Even from his hospital crib, Rookie’s playful demeanor has been uplifting for his parents, doctors, and nurses.
Reddick Competes as NASCAR Playoffs Intensify Amidst Family Crisis
Despite his family’s unfolding medical crisis, Tyler Reddick committed to racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the critical elimination round in the NASCAR playoffs. Sitting 29 points below the cutline for playoff advancement, Reddick needed a win to stay in championship contention. He secured the pole position even as he processed the seriousness of his son’s illness.
The strain of balancing professional duties and personal crisis weighed heavily on Reddick. He spoke candidly about the emotional toll:
“I agree with my wife this is the hardest thing that I’ve had to go through. … Certainly being away (last week) wasn’t ideal. That was a decision me and her came to a conclusion on when I was in Kansas. He was going in the right direction… It was difficult to stay and race on Sunday, but we were on the same page about it. I just wanted to get off that plane so bad on Sunday night and get back to the hospital.”
– Tyler Reddick
Reddick’s dilemma echoed throughout the NASCAR community. The timing of Rookie’s health scare was particularly difficult with pressure mounting from both the playoff race and the urgency in Rookie’s treatment schedule. NASCAR competitors, including noted road-course specialist Shane van Gisbergen, recognized the magnitude of what the Reddick family faced. Despite everything, Tyler resolved to give his all on the track, clarifying his priorities:
“For me, this weekend where we’re at in points, it just is what it is. I’m going to go out there and give it my best effort while I’m here certainly. For me, this week, the elimination, everything that is happening in the racing world is taking a back seat as it should.”
– Tyler Reddick
Tyler’s words made clear that his son’s well-being remained his top concern, even with NASCAR’s immense stakes looming in Charlotte.
NASCAR Community Shows Support as Family Faces Long Road Ahead
Heading into the end of the Charlotte race weekend, the Reddick family looked toward the challenges ahead—both on the racetrack and in the hospital. With the medical team preparing for Rookie’s surgery, the Reddicks emphasized hope but acknowledged uncertainty. Alexa and Tyler have relied on the outpouring of support from NASCAR fans, hospital staff, and their inner circle, drawing encouragement from the kind words and prayers sent their way.
The journey to recovery will stretch beyond the surgery itself. Rookie’s prognosis is positive due to swift action and expert treatment, but the experience has deeply affected those involved. The entire NASCAR community, from drivers to fans, has rallied around the Reddicks, echoing their desire to see Rookie home, healthy, and thriving.
In the intersection of high-stakes sport and the intense vulnerability of a family’s medical emergency, Tyler Reddick’s story stands as a powerful reminder of resilience and perspective, as the world of NASCAR continues to cheer on Rookie’s fight for recovery and hope for his future.
