Meet Tucker

After suffering serious complications during pregnancy, Audra gave birth to her son, Tucker, three and a half months early. Their challenging family journey began with Tucker spending seven months in the NICU at UCSF, where he required a gastronomy tube, oxygen, and critical medications to survive. He was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and a developmental disorder. 

Shortly after Tucker was discharged, Audra learned about George Mark Children’s House (GMCH) and its respite care program, which offers short breaks for parents while ensuring that their medically challenged children receive high-quality care. Tucker had his first respite stay at GMCH at 11 months old. Audra describes Tucker as lighting up with happiness, especially during a hydrotherapy session where he started belly laughing—a cherished memory.

Now 16, Tucker has had many stays at GMCH. His favorite experiences include visits with therapy animals, listening to music with the nurses, and participating in special events like Pumpkin Day and Summer Picnics. Although Tucker is non-speaking, Audra says he yells and laughs with happiness during his visits. The staff’s excitement to see him makes Tucker feel special and loved. Tucker has also relied on GMCH for transitional care after hospital stays, including a visit post hip-surgery, where GMCH helped with pain management. 

Tucker’s story highlights the vital role GMCH plays in the lives of patients and their families, allowing them to experience moments of normalcy and joy while creating memories with their parents and siblings even during the most challenging times.  

George Mark relies largely on the support of foundations and individual donors like you to sustain its mission to provide life-affirming care and comfort to children with chronic or terminal medical conditions and their families.