Tayt Michael Andersen

Tayt Michael Andersen

10/4/2005 - 9/26/25

A Shining Light Who Taught the World to "Just Keep Swimming"

Tayt Michael Andersen, a powerful force of love, kindness, and indomitable will, passed away peacefully at age 19 on September 26, 2025, in Royse City, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. After a life marked by heroic battles against overwhelming medical odds, Tayt faced his final challenge, bladder cancer, with the same passion and resilience that defined his spirit.

From the moment he was born 10 weeks premature with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Tayt was a fighter. His life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit. He underwent his first 17-hour open-heart surgery at just three days old and, over the years, endured nine open-heart surgeries and 27 neurosurgeries for Hydrocephalus. His most precious gift came on June 24, 2015, with a successful heart transplant. For three-quarters of his life, Children's Hospital was his second home, a place where he was a beacon of light for staff and patients alike.

Three years after his transplant, Tayt faced a diagnosis of PTLD cancer, followed by a relentless battle with Stage 4 bladder cancer in 2024. He fought with every fiber of his being, driven by his fierce determination to achieve his dream: graduating high school, which he did. Even as his fight drew to a close, Tayt remained a powerful example of strength, gratitude, and unconditional love, always with a smile that lit up the room.

A Star with a Heart of Gold

Tayt's heart was as vast as his favorite ocean. He touched millions of people with his story and his unwavering motto to "Just Keep Swimming," inspired by his "girlfriend," Ellen DeGeneres. His relationship with Ellen and her show was a source of pure joy. He was a frequent special guest, had a memorable VIP experience at Pixar Studios, a special part in the film Finding Dory, and was Ellen's guest at the movie's premiere. He was rarely seen out of his iconic Ellen Show gear.

Despite his hardships, Tayt's greatest pleasure was simple: spending time with his family, being a part of the Ellen Show, and finding comfort in his favorite movies, which played on repeat: Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, Real Steel, Cars, and SpongeBob. Every person he met, from his nurses and doctors to his classmates and teachers, was left with a lasting impression of his kindness and his consistent, heartfelt gratitude.

A Legacy of Love

Tayt's life was an embodiment of the will to live and an appreciation for every single moment. He taught us to approach every hardship with love, kindness, and immense gratitude. Though there is an undeniable void in the hearts of all who knew him, his legacy will forever inspire us to fight with passion and to cherish the simple gift of what we get to accomplish. We will carry his memory in our hearts forever and encourage everyone to Swim Like Tayt!

Tayt is survived by his loving mother, Chrissy (Aric) Becker of Royse City, TX; his father, Scott (Rona and daughter Emmy) Andersen of New Town, ND; his brothers, Gage (Brandi) Andersen of Idaho Falls, ID, and Jace Andersen; his grandparents, Mike (Taryn) Ivie of Ashton; Tami Andersen; honorary grandparents, Eric and Lori Embree of Rigby; and great-grandparents, Chuck and Sue Cargo and Silvia Dalessi. His Great Uncle Ryan (Rafa) Cargo his Uncle Eric(Sidney) Ivie, Aunt Christy(Darren) Jepperson, Kendra Ivie and Becca Hope, and his niece and nephews.

Tayt is preceded in death by his granddad and grandma Ivie, his grandpa Gino Dalessi, his aunt Mikaela Ivie, and his sweet cousin Allie Dalessi as well as his fellow heart and cancer warriors who welcomed him with open arms.

His family would like to extend their profound thanks to the incredible team of caregivers who fought alongside Tayt every step of the way, including all of his doctors and nurses, his home health nurse, Ms Andreene, his amazing hospice nurse Kara, and especially his dedicated Palliative Care and Oncology team. His amazing special education teachers and staff that loved and supported him and to all his classmates he loved you all so much.

While we are heartbroken, we find comfort in knowing that he no longer has to fight the battles he so graciously fought with everything he had.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tayt's name to Heroes For Children (Link in the Donations tab) to help other children and families fighting cancer. Tayt we are so very proud of you!