My son, Tucker, had a big year.  He graduated high school, turned 18 years old and commited to the Marine Corp.  For a boy that did not compete in Athletics, or play an instrument, or really identify with any particular group or association, to find something that motivated him and inspired him to commit years of his life to follow was a blessing.  His mother, Christi, and I had fears like any parent would have, but we challenged him to research what his decision meant, what he wanted to accomplish and if he understood the risks.  As a parent, you never lose the fear or urge to protect, but within a couple months we knew he was making the decision for the right reason and he was putting in the physical and mental work necessary to prepare for it.  He scored very high on  his ASVAB testing, started working out on a regular basis and researching the best career path.  The Marines were gonna be lucky to have Tucker Dault, that was for sure.  

On May 20th Tucker went to train with other recruits at the Marine Station in Austin, TX.    He spent four hours doing bear crawls and other things you would expect.  He came home for 2 hours and then headed to lifegaurd training to complete his qualifications for his summer job.  By Sunday at lunch Tucker was having trouble holding his own weight and part of his testing for lifeguard was postponed.  He never called home and just tried to continue his day.  When I picked him up from training he was at the front of the building in tears and could not walk to the car.  He went home and we treated him for what we thought was a pulled muscle.  By the next morning Tucker's condition had progressed to severe pain and swelling in his thighs along with signs that his kidneys were not fuctioning correctly.  

An ambulance was called and he was admitted into St. Davids Childrens Hospital in Austin, TX.  Tucker was diagnosed with Compartment Syndrome in his thighs and was rushed into surgery.  My wife and I are both athletes but had never heard of this.  In cases of extreme fatigue the muscle can create more toxins than the body can remove.  In Tucker's case, he was going into Kidney Failure because of it.  They performed a Bi-Lateral Fasciotomy where multiple large incisions are made in each area to relieve the pressure.
 (Beware, it's graphic if you look it up) . Both legs are placed under a vacuum to keep reducing the swelling and remove additional toxins.

 The vacuum packs have to be replaced every other day and requires a trip back to the operating room and anesthesia.  Tucker tried to have it done in his room once with no anesthesia and nobody should have to watch your child in so much pain.  It was a regrettable decision and future replacements were done under anesthesia.  

Tuck stayed in the hospital for 7 days and was released to come home.  For 3 days we battled the wound care and constant re-bandaging required to keep his wounds clean but upon returning to the doctor for a follow up, he was readmitted to the hospital for additional procedures.  They reopened both legs and put him back on the vacuum packs for an additional 8 days.  

Tucker remained upbeat throughout the entire process. He never hung his head or blamed anyone for what happened.  He tried to downplay it and showed more concern for our schedules and possible cost than he did for what he was going through.  It was inspiring to see how a 17 year old handled himself and I'm a lucky father.  
The hospital staff was so taken with him, when they realized he was going to miss his high school graduation and spend his 18th birthday in the hospital, they jumped into action.  The night before he was supposed to graduate they called a meeting of the hospital board, contacted the media and the marine corp, and threw together his own surprise ceramony for the following day.  Two stations in Austin, KVUE 24 and FOX 7 News, showed up and both ran pieces on him during the evening news.  (Both are still online).

 The marines also showed up and presented him with his diploma.

 He was blown away that all that fuss was over him and really appreciated them making his graduation memorable.  Not to mention the birthday party they threw for him a week later.  It was all very special and the staff at St. Davids Hospital were selfless and caring.  

In total, Tuck spent 15 days hospitalized and had at least 6 operating room procedures under anesthesia.  (Come to find out, Tucker is quite the entertainer when he's coming out of anesthesia.  Wether your into Rap, Rock or Stand Up Comedy, he has you covered.  Those videos will remain private at least until he's married).  

Tucker is home now and just starting his Physical Therapy.  He will do 6 weeks and then be reavaluated for anything additional.  The 86 staples were removed from his legs, the wounds have healed much better and the effect of muscle loss will be determined as he goes through therapy.  It's too early to know how long it will take him to get back to where he was before but he's strong and we are confident he will.  What this means to enlisting in the Marines is still up in the air, and honestly, much less important than him just getting healthy so he can deal with those decisions.  

Now that our boy is out of the critcal stage and starting his recovery, Christi and I are facing the financial challenges this places on us now and for the future.  When the Oil / Gas Industry crashed in 2015, I lost a great job and ended up with 15yrs experience that couldn't garner an interview while other companies were laying off or just closing their doors.  In the time since we have moved our family to 5 different places in constant search of a good opportunity or more affordable living.  The house we owned for 12 years was sold for a fraction of it's worth to keep us afloat.  The two cars we had payed off were liquidated and we've done whatever is necessary to rebuild.  We had qualified for Medicaid for a year so that was a huge help with 3 kids, but as soon as I started working full time, we didn't qualify.  We remain in no man's land now, we barely make enough money to just get by,  but too much for any program that might help or provide security for at least my kids.  We applied for a number of programs while in the hospital and they were very helpful, but now we are getting one denial letter after another.  Naturally the hospital bills are showing up as well and we have tallied a little more than 30K and still have nothing from the multiple operating room procedures or what physical therapy is going to turn out to be.  

Our list of creditors was staggering  before this happened.  Now it's starting to look like something that will have long lasting effects and limit what we can do for our younger kids as they grow up.  It's tough to hit a point when you realize you can't do it on your own, but it's unforgivable to stop trying because of your pride.  

I've started this campaign because I'm a father and a husband and my family deserves the chance.  Christi and I have been married for 19 years, are raising 3 great kids, and we are fighting to make sure our kids don't have to pay for any of our mistakes.  

If anyone out there finds themselves able to contribute or support this fund, you have the full appreciation of our family and know that whatever we have, it's yours if you need it.  

Sincerely, 
Donnie Dault and Family