AJ's Angels

The Tucker family's world was forever changed on November 2nd 2022 with the arrival of their beautiful son Adrian Jared "AJ". Despite their excitement, the journey for Tazz, Sarah Jo, and older siblings Alec, Olivia and Joey has been a challenging one. At a 37-week ultrasound AJ was diagnosed with a premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, a crucial blood vessel in the womb that normally closes shortly after birth. This condition is very rare and a life-threatening occurrence. At birth, AJ went into cardiac arrest and was immediately put on life support to help his struggling heart. AJ then spent 87 days at the hospital in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) under constant medical care.

AJ was named after Tazz’s best friend who tragically passed away. The Tucker family believes AJ is watching over “little AJ” and has been a guardian angel. It was truly a miracle that Sarah Jo even found out about the problems with AJ’s heart when she did. This made it possible for the right team of doctors to be present when he was born and provide the immediate medical care that saved him. On January 27th, AJ was finally approved to come home. Tazz and Sarah Jo have desperately waited for this moment. After nearly three months of non-stop hospital care, with Sarah Jo keeping watch during the day and Tazz through the night, the Tucker family finally came back together under the same roof.

The past weeks and months have been a huge challenge for the Tuckers but have also showcased the love and support they have for their growing family. Their day-to-day life has been turned upside down with doctors’ appointments, hospital stays, in-home care for AJ along with balancing work and raising three other young children. While terribly sad, it has been unbelievable to witness the strength and commitment this family has shown over the past months.

The goal of this campaign is to show Tazz and Sarah Jo the same love and support they are providing to their family and to help give some assistance as they continue to fight to get AJ back to full health. Every dollar given helps with medical expenses, meals, childcare and other time-consuming activities that then allow Tazz and Sarah Jo to spend more time with AJ, Alec, Olivia and Joey. The family’s fight is far from over. Let’s all lean in and show Tazz and SJ how much they are truly loved!