KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dozens of trucks, motorcycles and even camels lined up Saturday to honor 3-year-old Tucker Langford, who is battling a rare genetic disorder known as butterfly skin.
Brian Luton
Tucker Langford, 3-year-old battling rare skin condition
The welcome home parade served as a celebration for the young boy who suffers from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. The condition results in the skin being extremely fragile and prone to painful blistering, scarring, and destruction.
“He was missing skin on both of his feet, his hands, his chest,” Chandler Langford, Tucker’s mother, said. “So, any friction that he gets will cause an open wound.”
Brian Luton
Community rallies with parade for 3-year-old Tucker battling rare genetic disorder
Tucker was sent home this week from Children’s Mercy Hospital on hospice care. The community organized the parade, knowing Tucker’s love for trucks and jeeps.
Tucker sat surrounded by family as the community put on the show designed specifically for him.
Brian Luton
Chandler Langford, Tucker’s mother
“When we were pulling, I was crying because seeing everyone supporting Tucker and our family means a lot to us,” Chandler Langford said.
Rick Langford, Tucker’s grandfather, expressed pride in seeing the community’s support for his grandson.
“We always knew he was a superstar, and look, he’s made it to the top of the mountain,” Rick Langford said.
The grandfather also spoke about Tucker’s resilience throughout his medical journey.
The family has nicknamed Tucker “Tucker Tough” because of his strength in facing the challenges of his condition.
Brian Luton
Rick Langford, Tucker’s grandfather
“Tucker tough, yeah, I actually came up with that because he is tough,” Rick Langford said. “He’s been through a lot with his skin blistering and the things he’s had to go through. But he stuck right through it.”
Despite initial medical predictions, Tucker has exceeded expectations and continues to show his fighting spirit.
“He’s had that name since the very beginning because the doctors told him that he wouldn’t make it to one, and here he is three, he’ll be four Christmas Eve. I bet you he will show everyone how tough he is,” Chandler Langford said.
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