Tucker Lovelace is a loving and resilient 9-year-old who lives in Viroqua, Wisconsin, with his parents, Adam and Anne Lovelace, his sister Adalene (11), and brother Elliott (6). Tucker attends Viroqua Area Schools, where he is surrounded by a caring team of educators and therapists who support his learning, communication, and daily needs.
Tucker is a medically complex child. Diagnosed at 6 months with 15q duplication syndrome, a rare genetic condition with significant developmental delays and medical challenges. Tucker also has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy that causes multiple types of seizures each day. To help manage his seizures, Tucker takes several anti-epileptic medications and had a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) implanted in his chest to help reduce seizure activity and a G-tube placed, for administering medications and fluids.
Tucker has hypotonia, or low muscle tone, which affects Tucker’s strength, mobility, and respiratory function. To support his development, Tucker participates in physical, occupational, and speech therapy, where he works hard to build strength and develop new skills.
Although Tucker is non-verbal, he communicates using an eye-gaze board, when he wants to share thoughts or make choices. Tucker finds joy in being in water, watching “Bluey”, and playing with toys that light up. He also enjoys music, snuggling, and holding hands with those around him.
Tuckers family wish is to secure a specialized bed (Beds by George $15000+), that allow elevation for better sleep, padded sides and side rails for safety during seizures and to prevent falls. Unfortunately, these beds are not covered in the State of Wisconsin. This expensive and necessary piece of equipment would give him comfort, and his family better peace of mind.