Tucker is a NASCAR fan, good student and a Super Bobcat at his school. During his treatment for ALL Type B leukemia, he pushed bravely through bad days of nausea, upset stomach, aches and pains. Even so, his mom points out, “Having 3 and 1/2 years of your life stolen from you for your cancer treatment is a heavy burden for any kid to bear.”
 
Tucker’s diagnosis came after his family noticed bruises which seemed to be covering more and more of his legs. He also had a rash and a cold. Tucker’s pediatrician ordered bloodwork and called back the same day with the results, saying he had some bad news.
 
Tucker’s family immediately traveled to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, TX, about two hours from home. By evening the family was speaking with an oncologist, and by the next morning Tucker had a port placed in his chest and a bone marrow aspiration.
 
Tucker’s mom Shelly said “The first six to seven months of treatment is so overwhelming. Your life as you knew it will no longer exist. You adapt to the change and it becomes your new "normal" life. Things you thought were so important will no longer be.”
 
Tucker is currently in the maintenance phase of his treatment and is participating in a clinical trial. He and his family are looking forward to his end of treatment date, September 2014. Meanwhile, Tucker is getting ready to enter first grade. He is a huge racing fan and enjoys watching Monster Trucks, NASCAR, Austrian V8 Super Cars, IndyCars and AMA Motor-cross as well as playing Xbox.
 
Tucker’s family found out about ALSF through a Facebook page for moms of kids with cancer. They plan to participate in the Million Mile Run in September to help raise awareness of childhood cancer and fight for a cure.
 
Hero Quote: "I can't wait till there is no more pokeys."  

Information provided by Shelly Salyer, Tucker's Mom
August 2013