Rockford firefighters escort kindergartner with heart transplant to school

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A kindergarten student who is recovering from a life-saving heart transplant received a special escort to school Tuesday morning from the Rockford Fire Department.

Tyler spent seven months on the waiting list for a new heart, and spent nearly a year off school to recover.

He returned to class at Barbour Elementary, at 1506 Clover Avenue, this morning.

Tyler’s love of fire trucks inspired Rockford Fire to make his dream come true by giving him a ride to class.

Students and teachers lined the school hallways to welcome him back to class.

Tyler’s mother, Leslie Nava, says it has been a difficult journey.

“You have to value your family, your time, and your health, because you never know how that can change. It’s so important to keep an eye on the more important things. So just focus on the love,” she said.

Students and staff were encouraged to wear red on Tuesday in support of Tyler.