with music
beginning at 5 pm, silent auction and raffles shortly
following. There will also be a $10 cover per person,
The Marc Tucker Foundation
was established this year to raise money towards the
purchase of a Functional Electrical Stimulation bike
(FES) which is used for aggressive physical therapy for
patients with severe spinal cord injuries. Marc Tucker
is a 22 year old St. Simons local who when not working
the beach of Sea Island teaching people how to sail,
could be found on East Beach sailing his own 18-foot
Hobie Cat. Marc was an active member of the Saint
Simons Surf Sailors where he brought an infectious
energy and love of the water and all sports associated
with it. If he wasn’t helping others rig up boats or
sailing, he could be found on the beach engaged in a
friendly game of horse shoes or frisbee. Tragically,
Marc’s daily routine changed last October when he
suffered a devastating accident. While body surfing and
diving through waves in front of the Coast Guard Station
on East Beach, Marc fractured his C6 vertebrae, leaving
him paralyzed from the waist down.
In
his recovery, Marc has endured many obstacles and
grueling hours
of physical therapy on a daily basis. His latest
challenge involves an aggressive form of physical
rehabilitation utilizing a specialized piece of
equipment. It is a Functional Electrical Stimulation
bike, or simply, an FES bike. This piece of machinery
uses electric stimulation tailored to each individual
patient and their specific needs. It provides automatic
therapy progression, spasm management, asymmetry
monitoring and works for individuals with sensation.
Through placement of adhesive electrodes placed directly
on his legs and targeted muscle groups, Marc is able to
physically pedal the bike, even though the movements are
not controlled by his brain. This form of therapy is
believed to be crucial in recovery of certain spinal
chord injuries. The closest FES bike to this area is
close to 90 miles away and an injury such as Marc’s
requires 4-6 sessions a week. All proceeds from this
benefit will go towards the purchase of an FES bike and
accompanying equipment. If enough money is raised
through this foundation, the ultimate goal is to
purchase an additional bike to donate to a therapy
center in the Golden Isles for Marc and other patients
with similar afflictions to utilize.
