Tyler McGregor
Tyler is on a mission to ensure every family has access to lifesaving care right where they live.
Top Prospect to Amputee
At just 15 years old, Tyler McGregor’s world revolved around hockey. He was entering his OHL draft year and lacing up for the first game of the season when an on-ice collision changed everything. The play seemed innocent, but the result was surprisingly devastating. Tyler had been in enough collisions on the ice that he just knew something wasn’t right. X-rays confirmed fractures on both his tibia and fibula.
Tyler’s recovery began immediately following surgery, and within weeks he was back on his feet, until a mass was discovered near the site of the injury. It grew steadily, without pain, until it was the size of a tennis ball.
In January 2010, Tyler was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.
Redefining a Dream
Tyler’s treatment was intense; two weeks in hospital, one week at home, repeated over and over. The isolation was challenging. At a time when most teenagers were building friendships and memories, Tyler’s circle narrowed to his parents, his sister, and his medical team.
Then, came an incredible blow. To save his life, doctors would need to amputate his leg above the knee. “Hearing that news, was the most difficult day of my life by far. When I was 15, all I could think about was not being able to fulfill my childhood dream of playing hockey.”
With the encouragement of family, and friends, Tyler found his way back to the sport he loved. At first, he tried skating on a prosthetic, but with his limited mobility, it just wasn’t the same. Tyler says, “It wasn’t just a matter of getting back on ice and participating. I wanted to compete, and I wanted to compete at the highest level.” Hockey would return to Tyler, but in a new form – sledge hockey.
Since then, Tyler has competed in three Paralympic Games, earned multiple World Championship medals, and served as captain of Team Canada in sledge hockey. His determination, leadership, and resilience have made him one of Canada’s most respected athletes.
Today, Tyler uses his platform as an athlete and as a 2025 Grow On Windsor Ambassador to remind his community of the power of connection. He understands the importance of compassionate care, research, and community support. And he’s determined to make sure other families have the resources they need when cancer changes their lives.
“Going through cancer as a young athlete has shifted my path and my purpose. I never envisioned spending so much time in a cancer ward, and seeing the impact that this experience truly has on people and on their families.”
Together, Let’s Grow the Future of Local Cancer Care
As a 2025 Grow On Ambassador alongside Mark (left) and Norm (middle), Tyler is sharing his story to inspire action. This November, join Grow on Windsor to raise funds and awareness, and to support world-class cancer care close to home.
