Proudmom

Many of you may have seen Tucker on the news Friday and over the weekend.  He was on FOX 6 and ABC 33/40.  I would like to pass along a thank you to the community that walked for him at South Shades Crest Elem.  And on behalf of The Church at Ross Station we thank you!!  Between the walk and the Golf Tournament the Church held over $48,000 has been raised for the family and his care.  Since his mom is unable to work while Tucker is going through treatment these funds are helping them focus on Tucker's care first.  There will be more chances for you to help.  The Church @ Ross Station will have other fund raisers.  There will be a fishing tournament and a softball tournament.  Go to www.rossstation.org to get more info.  Tucker is a fighter & is touching the lives of so many and he is becoming a teacher to his peers.  Friday night the youth of The Church @ Ross Station did their mission for their "Disciple Now" weekend.  They went to Children's Harbor @ Children's Hospital and did an ice cream party and games with the patients that were able to leave their rooms.  And of course Tucker made it out of his room.  He came walking down the hall and as soon as he saw Bro. Bill (our children's minister) he took off running.  Tucker's mom was pushing his iv pump & trying to keep up with him.  He was so excited to see Bill & some kids from church.  We had a chance to talk to his mom about the events of the day at SSC Elem.  Bless her heart she really was at a loss for words.  As she was talking her eyes welled up with tears.  They are over whelmed by how God keeps providing for them & the out pouring of love.  Tucker and his illness is being used for God's work by teaching the youth group that everything is not about them and that we are to take care of one another.  Tucker you are going to have some life song to sing to Jesus one day, stand strong, & stay strong in your faith.  You are an inspiration to so many and so many want to be as strong in their faith as you and your family!!!  So Tucker has had some pretty tough rounds of chemo.  But they finally found a mix that seems to have made the tumor a little smaller.  So surgery has been put off in order for him to receive another round of chemo, a week long round, which started today.  This combo is very strong.  It can cause mouth sores & this makes it difficult to eat.  So pray for him!!!  Join us as we pray for Tucker's parents and for the doctors that are taking care of him & so many others.  Tucker made it out of the hospital Saturday and got to spend Mother's Day at home with mom but like I said they were back today for a week of chemo. 

I have really fallen down on the job with updates on Tucker on here...I apologize.  I have been busy with life and work but I keep up with Tucker and his family everday.  His mom and dad are great about keeping his caring bridge page update.  You should check it out www.caringbridge.org/visit/tuckerbeam.  This boy and his family continue to amaze me and I feel blessed to know them.  So backing up a little here is summary of April.  April was kind of rough for them.  Tucker has some great doctors and they are looking after the whole family.  One of his doctors noticed a knot on his mom's neck & wrote on his chart to have someone check her out.  Of course the "c" word came up for her.  But after a ultra sound and biopsy they determined is was some type of nodule (can't remember the term) on her thyroid.  Praise God!!  I knew from experience with my thyroid and being told that there was a possibility of it being cancer how nerve racking it could be.  But for her OMG with Tucker fighting cancer and to have his doctors tell you that you may have it too....So with everything going on with his mom his parents weren't sure about going through with plans for Tucker's b'day.  Once Courtney got the all clear on her thyroid & when the doctors said they were going to hold off on Tucker's surgery a little longer the plans were back on.  Tucker knew nothing about plans for his b'day.  Courtney and Jason pulled a good one on him.  They got up real early one morning and Tucker thought they were going in for more scans and tests.  They got to the airport and Tucker then thought it was the day of his surgery.  Courtney and Jason said nothing.  Then he read the city name at the gate.  He said we're going to "Orlando...Are we going to Disney World?"  His mom said he was so excited and surprised.  As I talked to his mom this past Friday she was telling me that he wore his Boston Red Sox hat the whole time.  And the yanks were surprised that this southern boy was for the Sox & not the Braves.  Tucker may not realize how he is teaching older kids to minister to those younger than themselves.  See my son wrote to the Sox and told them about Tucker and they sent a Sox cap to Tucker.  I personally want to thank Tucker for that and I thank God first for reaching my son through Tucker.  Tucker, Austin is 13 & though our family has already been through some tragic times you have shown him that he can learn from younger children and good can come from all things.  Austin has even told me how good it feels to give back.  He wants to sign up to volunteer at Children's as soon as he is old enough.  I hope you see and realize the huge impact you are having on so many children and even their parents.  I'm proud of you!!!      

I have written a blog regarding this amazing little boy, Tucker Beam & adding updates about his condition as frequently as possible.  He has cancer for the second time in his short life.  His mom has had to take a leave of absence as a teacher to be with Tucker through his chemo.  The Church at Ross Station has put together a golf tournament to raise funds for Tucker's family and his care.  We are still in need of sponsors and players.  It is scheduled for Monday March 24th 2008.  Please check out the church web page for details at www.rossstation.org.  There will also be a fishing tournament on April 26th @ Howton's Camp.  A blood drive for Tucker is in the process of being set up as well.  You can also read a daily journal of Tucker's journey at www.caringbridge.com/visit/tuckerbeam.  His mom and dad are doing a super job at keeping it updated.  They all need and appreciate even the smallest of prayers.  Today thier prayer request is that Tucker does not get any infections because his white blood cell count is to low to fight any off.  Please add this special family to your prayer list.   Tucker's favorite bible verse is Joshua 1:9 Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? (A) Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." 

Beam family---Continue to be strong in your faith and when your bodies and minds are weak your extended Christian family is here to lift you up and help you along this journey you must take.  Tucker man--Like I said I love the Carolina blue braclet you and Mr. John picked out.  I'm looking at it right now and praying for your body to be strong and that the medicine will heal you and destroy that tumor.  You keep be strong & your are inspiring so many people.  You are a warrior for God...You will have a testimony that will touch the lives of people for years to come.  Your friends at Ross Station love all of you!!! 

Please add this 7 yr old boy to every prayer list you can get him on!!!!  He battled cancer his first time when he was 1.  And now a second cancer has appeared in the the same leg but this time appears to be in the bone and possibly his marrow....I attend church with Tucker and his family.  This is one of the kindest families I've ever met and their faith and love for God is tremendous.  This past summer Tucker asked Christ into his heart and our pastor allowed his father to perform his baptism.  It was so special and precious.  Please just lift them up in prayer every day.  Many thanks!!  Check out his web page! 

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tuckerbeam>