| Merry Christmas (December 11th, 2005 10:45 PM)
Its been almost 5 months since Tammy's passing. I'm starting to realize the fact that she is gone. The next step will acceting this fact. The holiday season makes it much worse. Everyone asks me how I am. I always say I'm doing well, but thats not true. I'm not sure it will ever be true again.
I finally ordered a grave marker last week. I'm not sure why, but I couldn't bring myself to do it until now. Its one of two things (probably both things) - It means that Tammy is really gone, and the fact that my name is on the stone beside Tammy's name. Seeing my name carved in stone has made me think of my own mortality.
The Foundation fund continues to grow, and is close to $1,000. My thanks to everyone who has donated. Our goal is $5,000, in order to make the fund self sufficient. I believe we will achieve that goal. My thanks, also, to those who have donated money to other local organizations in Tammy's name.
We are also thankful for everyone's support over the last five months. Family and friends have helped Katie, Laura and I through this difficult time. The letters, email, cards, emotional, and financial help are greatly appreciated.
Last but certainly not least, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and a happy holiday season. I encourage everyone to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Luke 2
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
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| Hurricane Victims Need Help (September 7th, 2005 07:27 AM)
The Tammy Lynne Foundation is now accepting donations, but there are others who need your help at the moment. The hurricane victims are in need of the basic necessities of life. Most of us take for granted all of our modern conviences such as cell phones, and are upset when we don't have a good signal. Can you even begin to imagine not having food, water or shelter? Not knowing if your relatives are dead or alive? Not having a place to sleep? When you think about it, the modern conviences don't seem so important. In 1992, when hurricane Andrew struck Florida, Tammy rallied her Girl Scout troup (and the community)into action. Several semi-truck loads of relief supplies were collected, and sent to the Homestead Florida area. We received word from Florida of the items that were most needed. Food, water and first aid supplies were at the top of the list. People in Louisiana need these items right now. I urge you to donate or help the relief organizations in their efforts. And remember, the hurricane victims need immediate relief to stabilize the disater area, but they will be in the rebuilding process for months. They will need help six months from now as well. So for now, please help with the hurricane relief. The Tammy Lynne Foundation will be patiently wating for your donation. | |
More Foundation News (August 30th, 2005 09:33 PM)
The Tammy Lynne Tucker Foundation Fund is almost official. I will be signing the final papers this week to start the fund. Hopefully, starting next Monday, we can begin taking donations. There are two ways to donate: (1)You can send your donation to the fund using the U.S. Mail (the address will be availailable on this web site. (2) You can donate via the web site using a credit card or PayPal. I am now working on these web pages so they can be ready the moment the Fund is officially established. This is an exciting time for us. Knowing that we can honor and memorialize Tammy, and allow her to continue helping people, means the world to us. | |
Foundation News (August 22nd, 2005 07:57 AM)
Last Friday I met with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation to begin the process of setting up the Tammy Lynne Foundation. There are many decisions to be made before the fund can be started, but I intend to have everything in place as soon as possible. Origionally, the fund was to benefit people in need of medical equipment who either had no insurace, or otherwise could not pay. I was advised that memorial foundations are not allowed to donate directly to individuals, with the exception of a scholorship grant. Therefore, the Tammy Lynne Foundation will benefit charities that would benefit the most from donations. Some ideas would be the Girl scouts, visiting nurses, or hospice. Please email me if you have other ideas, I would appreciate your input. Whatever the beneficiary, I insist on only two things: 1. The fund must be perpetual, in honor of Tammy; 2. The fund MUST provide help to those in need, to make a difference in someones life. More info to follow soon.... | |
| Tammy Lynne Foundation (August 10th, 2005 02:07 PM)
The Tammy Lynne Foundation is in the process of being set up for the purpose of providing assistance in buying medical equipment for those in need. As soon as work on the foundation is complete, donations can be made by mail, or on this web site. Hopefully, enough donations will be made to make this a perpetual fund, able to help people on an ongoing basis. I am starting the foundation with my own money, and with money from the sale of Tammy's existing medical equipment. I am very excitied about this foundation, and feel it must be done to carry on Tammy's life work of helping people. More details to follow...... | |
God Bless You Tammy (July 18th, 2005 11:47 PM)
On the evening of July 18, 2005, Tammy lost the battle with her many medical conditions. She fought for life until the very end. The Lord has called her home. The world has lost one of the most kind and courageous people that ever existed. She touched the lives of thousands of people, always trying to help others. Tammy is now free of pain. God bless you Tammy. | |
Tammy is Septic (July 18th, 2005 10:05 AM)
Last night, Tammy's heart rate went up to 150, and her blood pressure went down to 50/20. This happened several times overnight and this morning. She has a fever of 105+. They use celsius for temperature reading, and 105 is as high as the conversion chart goes. Tammy is in very critical condition. I will give more info when I can. | |
Transfer to IU Med (July 17th, 2005 11:55 AM)
Tammy was tranfered via ambulance yesterday to University Hospital MICU. We had been trying to transfer her for the last four days via LifeLine Helicopter, but we had several problems. Bed availability at IU, bad weather and flight conditions, and yes 1 day delay because Presidnet Bush was in Indy. A TFR for the Indy area (Flight Restriction) was issued. More information to follow........ | |
Still No ART Line (June 29th, 2005 09:16 PM)
The doc tried again today to put in an ART line. This makes the fourth try without success. I will talk to him again tomorrow about this. I looked at Tammy's chest x-ray again today, it shows signs of ARDS according to the doc. her lungs are about 1/2 the size they should be. Her diaphram is very high due to cushings syndrome. The vent O2 was lowered to 50% today, room air has about 30% O2. PEEP still at 7.5 setting. Potassium is low, so IV-K being given. Feeding is going good. Nurse Molly visited today, and left a very nice gift for Tammy. Sorry I missed you, but thanks very much for visiting and for the gift. I'm sure Tammy will enjoy the book sometime in the future. | |
TPN DC (June 28th, 2005 09:48 PM)
Just a couple of changes today. TPN feeding via IV was discontinued. Tammy is tolerating feeding via the NG tube, so there is no need for TPN. Also, the vent peep was lowered back down to 7.5 from 10. O2 setting is still 60%. Other vital signs are good, and Tammy is resting comfortably. | |
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