Mike Tyson’s Heartfelt Tribute to His Foster Mother—A Ukrainian Immigrant Who Saved His Soul

Mike Tyson, one of the most iconic and controversial figures in boxing history, has never been one to shy away from sharing his emotions. His life, filled with triumphs and tribulations, has been shaped by a number of pivotal figures, but none more so than his foster mother, Camille Ewald. In his autobiography Undisputed Truth, Tyson describes her as a “glorious Ukrainian woman” who played an instrumental role in shaping the man he became. Her impact on Tyson’s life cannot be overstated, as it was her love, care, and unwavering belief in him that helped him rise from the depths of poverty and criminality to become the youngest heavyweight champion of the world.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1966, Tyson’s early years were marked by poverty, violence, and an absent father. Raised by his single mother, Lorna Smith Tyson, in a crime-ridden neighborhood, Tyson’s childhood was a far cry from the nurturing environment most children are fortunate to experience. By the time he was 13, Tyson had been arrested 38 times, a sign of the deep turmoil and inner conflict he was facing. It wasn’t until he was sent to the Tryon School for Boys that his life took a drastic turn, a pivotal moment that would lead him to a new family—Cus D’Amato and his partner, Camille Ewald.

Camille Ewald, a Ukrainian immigrant, had seen the hardships that life could bring. Born in 1905, she was no stranger to struggle, but she had the heart to open her home to a troubled, young Mike Tyson. Along with her partner, D’Amato—a legendary boxing trainer—Ewald offered Tyson the stability and guidance he so desperately needed. It was here, in the peaceful Catskill home of the D’Amatos, that Tyson found a refuge from his troubled past.

Ewald’s love for Tyson went far beyond the traditional role of a foster parent. She treated him as one of her own, offering him the care and support that had been missing from his life for so long. Tyson, who had never experienced a true sense of family, now found himself in a home where he was encouraged, valued, and, most importantly, loved. In the pages of Undisputed Truth, Tyson recalls Ewald teaching him the most basic of life skills—how to read, how to use cutlery properly, even how to build a pigeon cage, which became one of Tyson’s most cherished hobbies. She was his teacher, his protector, and his emotional anchor.

But beyond the practical skills, Ewald’s emotional support was what truly helped Tyson transform. Tyson was still deeply scarred by his turbulent upbringing, and it was through Ewald’s nurturing that he began to heal. She defended him against the media’s cruel portrayals, ensuring that he was not seen merely as a “machine” but as a young man with a heart and a soul. Her words were a reminder to Tyson that he was more than just a boxer; he was a person worthy of love and care.

Tyson’s tribute to Ewald is one of deep reverence and gratitude. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day post in 2017, Tyson shared his enduring love for the woman who gave him a second chance at life. “I owe everything to her,” Tyson wrote. “She taught me about love, kindness, and what it means to have a family. Without her, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.”

Camille Ewald passed away in 2001 at the age of 96, but her legacy lives on in Tyson’s words and actions. She was not just a foster mother; she was the woman who helped save Tyson’s soul. In a world where stories of hardship often end in tragedy, Ewald’s story with Tyson is one of hope, showing that love and compassion can change the course of a life.

Mike Tyson may have been a champion in the ring, but it was Camille Ewald’s love and care that made him a champion in life. Her influence helped Tyson overcome the odds stacked against him, and he continues to honor her memory, ensuring that her lessons of love and perseverance live on.