VIP Program - Modifications in response to COVID-19 Restrictions

​Team Tucker’s Very Important Patients Program was created in honor of Tucker’s recognition that seriously ill children deserve to have their teams by their side, just as he did when he was battling osteosarcoma.  Tucker felt lucky that he had so many visits from family and friends in his hospital room but he worried about those kids for whom geographic, financial, and logistical issues made visits like these impossible.   

Starting in the summer of 2019, Team Tucker began helping with the planning and financing needed to bring family and friends from afar to visit our first few VIPs at the University of MN Masonic Children’s Hospital.  The momentum for this heartwarming program had just started to build when COVID-19 struck and forced hospitals to place restrictions on visitors in order to protect the already precarious health of their patients. The current policy is that only parents are allowed to visit, with just one parent in the hospital room with the child at a time. When there is a second parent, they are allowed to trade places by meeting at the front door of the hospital.  As a result, the isolation for these children and their parents is more severe than ever. 

Despite the fact that we are currently unable to bring visitors to see sick children in the hospital, Team Tucker still wants to help.  Our generous donors have enabled us to help.  We are here to assist in other ways that might make life a little easier or bring a little joy for patients and their families.  Please let us know what we can do . . . 

Can we send toys, favorite foods, or treats?
Can we provide diapers, clothes, or any other items for those staying at Ronald McDonald House or other facilities?
Do you need your car fixed for getting back and forth to medical appointments?
Do you need cleaning services to prepare your house for when your child comes home?
Can we provide something for your family at home missing you/their sibling?

Please let Team Tucker know how we can help by contacting me by email at Dana@PlayLaughLove.org or by text or call at 612-636-0831.

For those of you visiting this website who are fortunate enough to have healthy kids, you can help too.  If you know anyone with a child battling a disease, please contact Team Tucker or encourage them to reach out to us.  We can take care of all communication and details in order to meet needs and perhaps lighten spirits as well.

I want to help. Tucker wants to help. Our donors want to help.

All of us at Team Tucker hope you are staying safe and healthy, especially during this global health crisis. If you are not, please let us help.

Dana

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​​P.S.  Please visit our VIP Program page to find out more about how Team Tucker has worked to get children’s teams by their sides in the past and how we look forward to helping again in the future once hospital restrictions can be lifted.

Baseball Explosion 2020

Learn more about Tucker and Tucker's Sandlot
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Support Team Tucker . . .

while honoring the special friendship between Tucker and Jason Zucker.  Purchase the only item that identifies their special bond and the advice Tucker gave to Jason during their short but amazing friendship.  Their bond connects them from heaven to Earth to the hockey rink they both love. Tucker and Zucker remind us all to live our lives to the fullest, care for others, and always Shoot More.  Available at our online shop and at Fan HQ at Ridgedale Mall, Minnetonka.
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​​Our Purpose

​Tucker Helstrom was a boy living in the Hopkins community. He spent his short 9 ½ years playing sports, laughing with friends and family, and showing love to all, even after cancer forced the amputation of his leg. Tucker showed everyone how to live during his heroic battle with osteosarcoma. Now, his mother, family, and his “team” are continuing his legacy. Tucker, with his amazing strength and attitude, created an explosion. Team Tucker ensures more children Play, Laugh, and feel Love.

Our Mission

All children deserve to Play, Laugh and feel Love daily.
​Team Tucker provides the time and resources to ensure that Tucker’s legacy lives on.

​What We Need

​The Team Tucker Association wants to help thousands of children to Play, Laugh and feel Love. To do this, our dedicated board needs help in the form of time, money, food and baseball equipment. All donations are tax deductible. Programs run by the Team Tucker Association are organized and run by volunteers. Please let us know if you want to join Team Tucker! Just email dana@playlaughlove.org.

​What We Offer

​We offer opportunities for children, both healthy and ill, to Play, Laugh and feel Loved. Kids will also make friends, have fun and enjoy healthy food. For adults we offer the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and feel the gratification that comes from that. For businesses we offer the opportunity to have your business listed on our website, t-shirts, social media, banners posted at all events, and the joy of knowing your community is a better place for all.