May 23, 2012
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Blount Co. Sheriff's Officer Sam Tucker has touched the hearts of dozens of people; and now, as he battles Leukemia, they're doing all they can to help.
To register for the bone marrow registry to help Officer Tucker, you can contact CAMP:
Cooperative Appalachian Marrow Program in Knoxville
1601 Ailor Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37921
(423) 854-5658
His fellow officers, church members, and scores more all took time from their day on Friday to drop by Blount Memorial Hospital for a bone marrow drive.
"Not one person hesitated," said Monica Tucker. "Even though they didn't know what it may involve, they were willing to give anything Sam needed."
Since Sam has no brothers or sisters, his match must come from a list. Fortunately for those who headed down to the hospital, finding out if they were a match required just four quick swabs to see if they were a match - and not for just Sam.
"Not only for Sam, but maybe somewhere along the line maybe another donor across the United States," explained Sheriff's Deputy Terry Orr.
Officer Tucker's impact on his community can be felt throughout Blount County, in places such as Walland Elementary, where the kids can't donate, but they are still finding ways to help. Tucker started the school year as the school resource officer.
"Officer Sam he's just a good, caring guy," said second-grader Tyler Norton. "He likes all the kids and we care about him too."
Teachers and students wore blue in Officer Tucker's honor and decked the halls with support. Support that means more to the Tuckers than a simple thank you could ever express.
"I would hate to think what it would be like to go through this without them," said Monica Tucker.
If you missed the drive, you can contact CAMP, the Cooperative Appalachian Marrow Program, to register.
