What This Story Is About
- Dr. Barbara Tucker, Head of Technical Services at Austin Peay State University, is telling her cancer story through a children’s book series to help pediatric cancer patients.
Why It Matters
- Dr. Tucker is a survivor of a cancerous brain tumor that had to be removed back in 2020.
- Dr. Tucker says she’s looking for sponsorships, but will continue to self-fund the project to help patients going through similar journeys.
For Context
- Globally, around 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, according to the World Health Organization.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A Clarksville woman who survived a brain tumor and cancer diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic has written a children’s book series aimed at helping young patients navigate treatment and its emotional toll.
Dr. Barbara Tucker, director of technical services at Austin Peay State University, said her health crisis began with what seemed like a routine headache as she prepared for the semester. Her condition deteriorated quickly.
“But I can’t hold my head up,” Tucker recalled telling her doctor.
Diagnosis and surgery
At the emergency room, Tucker received a life-altering diagnosis…