When Tucker Krause was a young boy, his family noticed that he frequently got sick. More than frequently, even. In fact, when his mom really thinks about it, Tucker was nearly always ill: fatigue, low energy, a chronic cough, recurrent ear and sinus infections. At first, doctors tried to treat him by having his adenoids removed. Then went his tonsils. But still, his health never seemed to fully recover. It wasn’t until this last year, reports Patti Zarling of the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter, that 10-year-old Tucker was finally diagnosed with common variable immune deficiency (CVID).
While the family finally has answers, there is still a long road ahead for Tucker. He wants to join his older siblings to go bow-hunting or fishing. But he often lacks the energy to do so. Recently, Tucker began receiving treatment; he must undergo subcutaneous infusions each week to ensure that his body is protected against foreign invaders and germs.
Unfortunately, these treatments can be incredibly expensive and have put a large financial burden on the family. His uncle John launched a GoFundMe to help with medical costs, bills, any necessary equipment, and the weekly treatments. The family notes that Tucker has a deep empathy and love for his community; he runs a yearly lemonade stand and all proceeds are donated to support people living with disabilities. Now his family is asking for others to please help the helper.
If you would like to donate to the cause, you may do so via the GoFundMe or by purchasing a “Tucker’s Trail” candle from The Mental Health Emporium.
An Overview: Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
You may see CVID written out as either common variable immune deficiency or common variable immunodeficiency, but both refer to the same primary immune deficiency disease. People with CVID have immune systems that do not work correctly. They have lower levels of immunoglobulin G and A, which normally help to fight infections. As a result, people with CVID are more likely to get serious bacterial or viral infections. Many people with CVID have recurrent ear, lung, and/or sinus infections. Doctors don’t know what causes CVID in most cases, but around 10% of people have a genetically-oriented disease. 25% of people with CVID also have another autoimmune disorder. Symptoms of this condition, outside of infections, include pneumonia, diarrhea, losing weight without trying, and inflammation of the spleen, lymph nodes, and gastrointestinal tract. This disease also increases the risk of developing cancers like gastric cancer or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
