A bump in the road leads to true love for young couple

During the thick of the COVID pandemic, at 21-year-old, Danny Tucker experienced severe chest pain and sought emergency medical attention. Tucker’s medical team discover that his heart’s ejection fraction was a mere 10% and he was facing complete organ failure. End-of-life options were soon being discussed as his health was quickly declining.

Then a family friend and nurse, Marisa Thompson was looped into Tucker’s health situation and immediately became an advocate for hope and a strong proponent for seeking a second opinion. Her research led her to HCA Florida Largo Hospital’s Advanced Heart Failure Center, where Tucker was quickly accepted as a patient. The team immediately began to explore his treatment options.

Once admitted, Tucker’s heart failure team recommended a wearable cardiac defibrillator as a precautionary measure should he suddenly go into cardiac arrest. He also received a portable IV pump and infusion to help his heart pump stronger, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This would ultimately serve as the bridge to his heart transplant. He was monitored for about six weeks in the hospital and Thompson was there every step of the way.

“There’s nothing easy about hearing your heart is failing or that you’re in a battle for your life, but there is something inspiring about it. It opens your eyes to what matters, to why you’re fighting, and to how many amazing things life has to offer that usually get lost in daily stress or problems” shared Danny Tucker, now 25 years old.

Soon after discharge, Tucker asked Thompson to join him for a lunch date - the rest is history. Their love grew quickly and Tucker proposed in 2024 with plans to marry in April 2025 on the Amalfi Coast in Italy surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Less than three months of being listed on the heart transplant waiting list, Tucker received his lifechanging call on March 23, 2022 at 3 am. Throughout his journey, his heart failure team, Thompson and family have been a tremendous support.

“I’m motivated to be the best version of myself every single day I’ve been given. To be kind, say hello and start conversation with strangers, to laugh off mistakes. Since this all happened, even though it was terrifying, it changed everything about my life- half because I met someone who pushes me to be a better version of myself every day, and half because I know that someone else made the selfless decision to donate organs for a total stranger. My donor and their family deserve a legacy of kindness and strength. To anyone waiting on organs, don’t be scared, be optimistic and trust the people helping you. Largo’s team is a family, when they tell you they care they mean it. They’ll do everything they can to give you the best possible outcome” shared Tucker.