Tucker's life takes a curve

Tucker Olen is ten years old and a fourth-grader at Jordan Jackson Elementary school in Mansfield. On August 10, 2009 he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His prognosis is excellent but in order to get there he has a long road ahead of him. For the next 2 1/2 years he will get weekly chemotherapy treatments at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence. Due to his compromised immune system he cannot attend school or after school activities for many months to come. He is being tutored at home until he can return to school. In order for his parents to continue to work a sitter has been hired on the days he doesn't travel to Providence for treatment.

Tucker is an extremely imaginative, creative boy who loves art, music, theater and building elaborate "lego villages". He is a also a great skier and soccer player and enjoys camping with his family in the summer. He has displayed the utmost bravery and composure during his illness and is truly an inspiration.

Family and friends have been extremely supportive during Tucker's hospitalization. Now that he's home his the family faces many new expenses; sitters, out-of-pocket medical expenses, travel to Providence and lost wages due to hospitalizations and chemo treatments. We hope that you will consider helping the Olen family with a donation to help offset these expenses.