Our Story

Tucker’s Journey: A Story of Strength, Love, and Hope 💙

In March 2023, we received the joyous news that we were expecting our third baby. Excitement filled our hearts as we eagerly anticipated meeting Tucker. But at our 20-week ultrasound, everything changed. We learned there was something abnormal with Tucker’s stomach, and we were quickly referred to Texas Children’s Fetal Intervention.

That’s when we discovered that Tucker had a rare condition known as Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO), causing his bladder to distend and urine to back up into his kidneys, leading to damage. In the coming weeks, we were also diagnosed with Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid), putting Tucker at risk of respiratory distress when he was born.

Despite all the challenges, Tucker continued to grow, and on October 24th, 2023, our little fighter entered the world at 5 lbs 15 oz. But shortly after birth, Tucker stopped breathing. The amazing NICU team at Texas Children’s jumped into action, saving his life and stabilizing him with every resource available.

Just two days later, we learned that Tucker needed dialysis to survive. With a 50/50 chance of success due to his size, we faced one of the hardest moments of our lives. But Tucker’s strength shined through, and he was successfully placed on continuous dialysis. Every day was a battle, but Tucker kept fighting.

In the NICU, Tucker faced more challenges, including a suspected stroke that was confirmed through an MRI. Despite this, our little warrior met all his milestones, and his resilience inspired us every day. By January 2024, Tucker was breathing on his own and thriving on the dialysis machine, bringing us closer to taking him home.

After 133 long days in the NICU, we were finally able to bring Tucker home on March 4th, 2024. It was a day we’ll never forget—watching him see his home and sleep in his own bed for the first time filled us with overwhelming joy.

Now, as we look ahead to December 2024, Tucker is preparing for his first kidney transplant, and we have high hopes that his dad, Nathan, will be able to give him the ultimate gift of life.

To help us, we have partnered with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. 100% of funds raised in honor of Tucker will assist with a lifetime of transplant-related expenses. Please consider donating to COTA for Team Tucker!

Tucker’s journey is far from over, but his progress has been nothing short of miraculous.

Every day, Tucker faces medications, dialysis treatments, and medical care, but you’d never know it from the smile on his face. He loves to roll around, play with his toys, laugh with his big sister, and enjoy the great outdoors. His spirit is unbreakable.

We are incredibly grateful for the support and prayers from friends, family, and everyone who has followed Tucker’s journey. The doctors, nurses, and therapists at Texas Children’s Hospital have become our family, and we are endlessly thankful for their life-saving care.

Thank you for taking the time to read Tucker’s story. His journey is one of strength, hope, and love, and we are so proud of our little fighter.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

27 thoughts on “Our Story”

  2. I have a little boy who just turned two months today and I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I’m praying for y’all and I know God is there with y’all through this difficult journey.

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  8. Sending so much love and light to your family. We are all praying for your brave, beautiful little boy’s recovery. Stay strong Tucker, you are amazing lil guy🫶🏻❤️

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  13. Sweet boy you have been through a lot in such a short amount of time. I am sorry you have to go through this especially with how little you are. You are loved deeply by your internet family. You are precious and you are protected by gods arms. 💜

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  14. Dear god,

    Please let this little baby grow up to have a full peaceful and healthy life and allow his surgery to go well.

    Amen.

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  18. I am praying for your sweet Tucker & your family. As one mom to another I can’t image the pain and worry you are experiencing. Tucker is so lucky to be blessed with parents like you and I will continue to pray for you all. It’s going to be okay, please give your sweet boy a big hug.

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  20. I’ve never met this wonderful family but I’m praying for this little champion and the brave parents who have given their all…❤️‍🩹

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  21. I have a 14 month old grandson, and though I can see similarities it breaks my heart to see Tucker struggle. I’ll pray for your little warrior.

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  23. He’s a fighter and I hope he beats this and is able to grow into such a beautiful and loving boy just like his mama and papa obviously are… ❤️

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  24. This story is both inspiring and heartbreaking 💔
    I cannot imagine the chaos of your mind and the anxiety in your chest. I feel this so much.. as someone who has had an unwell child and dealt with the surgeries and procedures on such a tiny human being.. watching doctors and nurses poke and prod your baby hurts. It’s a pain I understand and also couldn’t fathom having to undergo it again. We welcomed a baby that was not planned in the beginning of 2024
    Our boys are close in age. Watching your son put tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. As I look at my baby I pray for yours. (The baby I had who was ill was a daughter, this was a few years back so not relevant but I want you to know I understand your pain) if I was in a position to donate, i would.. but instead I let your videos play in the background while I clean up or prepare food.. I hope it helps, they say that the engagement and views does help so I hope “theyre” right. Me and my family are all the way in Nova Scotia, Canada… I want you to know that we are watching your family and praying for your son. As a mother, this is absolutely a nightmare, its scary and an incredibly intimidating hand you were dealt. If i could hold your hand i would. If i could play with your hair and tell you how i admire your stregnth, i would. I would sit and talk the days away with you so you wouldn’t watch the clock so much. These words might not have the same affect as a true person to lean on but I want you to know that we are rooting for you. I do admire your strength. You are so much stronger than you believe you are. Your little boy is beautiful.. that beautiful baby boy is going to be ok and the transplant is going to be successful. You are exactly the mother that baby needs and you both are going to get through this. All the way from the east coast of Canada I am praying for you and that gorgeous baby. You guys will get what you need and most importantly, you’re all going to be ok.
    If there is something, …anything.. , that I can do while you are facing the head of this beast, please let me know. I know what this feels like. I understand the things other people don’t even know about when it comes to being in a children’s hospital for so long. (Ours is the IWK in halifax.)
    Even if you just want to vent to a stranger,.please, do it. I am all ears.

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  25. He sound like a strong little fighter!!! I wish your family and that sweet little boy all the best!!! Good luck for 2025 I hope it brings nothing but joy, health and love. ❤️

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  27. Proud to come aboard Team Tucker with a contribution to COTA; thanks so much for the heads up. Godspeed and blessings for Tucker and your family. 💕🙏🏼👍🏼💪🏼

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