When Tyson Duncan entered the world of cancer care, his family clung to one essential source of stability: a team of physicians, nurses and support staff who surrounded him with expertise and genuine compassion. They quickly became guideposts in an unpredictable landscape.
That’s why, after their son died in 2024, Tyson’s parents decided to establish a fund in his memory to help other families seeking care at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Gifts to the Tyson H. Duncan Unbreakable Fund provide financial assistance to pediatric oncology patients and their families in need at the cancer center.
Cancer strikes twice, leading to one extraordinary fight
Tyson was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in early 2022 and later with secondary AML leukemia. His family said he faced each challenge with remarkable strength and grace, never complaining and inspiring everyone who knew him.
Tyson fought an incredibly brave battle, overcoming setback after setback with both physical and mental strength. His deep sense of loyalty guided him to protect his family and friends from knowing how much he suffered and struggled. He was a warrior to the very end of his days.
Luckily, the family lived close to the hospital, a convenience and a blessing that preserved Tyson’s energy for the trials ahead. “We knew he would endure treatment challenges,” his family said, “….and air travel or long commutes would be unnecessary with a premier comprehensive cancer hospital nearby.”
Numerous questions arose, and we were able to rapidly speak to the team. We held the cancer center to the name ‘comprehensive’ and they delivered.” —TYSON’S FATHER, GARRETT DUNCAN
Diagnosed at 21, Tyson was at the older end of pediatric medicine. He saw firsthand the youngest children in cribs and baby walkers, through young kids, teens and young adults trying to navigate cancer treatment. His family decided to establish a fund to honor his legacy as an unbreakable force who faced every challenge with courage and determination.
Through the Unbreakable Fund, Tyson’s family carries forward his dream of helping children and families who are dealing with the challenges of treatment. For many, the financial strain of cancer adds another layer of hardship to an already difficult journey. This fund honors Tyson’s life by bringing hope and support to those who need it most. Support may include help with essential expenses such as travel, food and lodging during treatment. The fund is building toward endowment, and gifts will be used to make an immediate impact until the endowment level is reached.
The heart behind the hero
Tyson’s story is far larger than any diagnosis. He was a bright, active, compassionate young man who filled rooms — and hearts — with his natural warmth. He grew up in Davis, attending Waldorf schools in both Davis and Sacramento. He later earned his associate degree from Sacramento City College before being accepted into the University of California to continue his studies. He loved sports, travel, his friends and his family. His loved ones said he was funny, artistic, respectful and fiercely loyal.
His father described him as a young man who seemed propelled by an internal fire from the very beginning. “He never walked, but he went straight from crawling to running. That’s who that kid was,” he said.
Tyson had a seriousness about him — an intensity paired with humor. “He was always serious, as many of you know if you played sports with him. Yeah, he could joke around. He had a sense of humor but was a pretty serious kid. He had places to be; he had agendas. He had things he wanted to do and wasn’t going to waste a lot of time getting there,” Garrett said.
Tyson carried that drive into every part of his life, even during treatment. He gravitated toward younger patients and their families, talking with children whose worlds had been upended and with parents who were learning how to stay strong. Their resilience deeply inspired him. In the middle of his second cancer, while most would be simply trying to get through each day, Tyson was focused on building something larger than himself: the foundation that would eventually become the Tyson H. Duncan Unbreakable Fund.
