Thanks to a tipster for pointing out a Web site that makes
me appreciate the connective powers of the Internet more than ever. An adorable little boy named Tucker was born in 2005 with
Down syndrome and a heart defect called Hypo-plastic left heart (meaning that only one half of his heart is functional). He has
undergone numerous surgeries beginning when he was just 17 days-old, but his parents
now have hope that he may someday live an active life.
This will require traveling to Boston, where Tucker will be
operated on by the top cardiac pediatric surgeon in the country. Clearly, such
a trip will entail enormous travel, room and board, and medical costs.
So Tucker’s parents have set up a site that allows people
from around the country to connect with Tucker’s story and offer their support.
Through the Web site, Tucker has gained the love of thousands of strangers, who
have donated money and offered well wishes.
The amazing thing about the site is that the Bryant family
has made donating fun and rewarding by creating a raffle with prizes like
Amazon gift cards and even a weeklong stay in an Arizona villa. In these financially trying times, I can't think of a better way to afford a vacation than donating money for a child's heart surgery.
In addition to donations, Tucker’s family seeks photos of
people wearing their Tucker love apparel (you can buy "I 'heart' Tucker" t-shirts
and buttons through the site) or holding signs of support. They want his hospital
room to be filled with loving faces.
Photo: http://ihearttucker.blogspot.com/
