Keeping Tucker Safe

Tucker plays Division I Lacrosse at the University of Virginia. Last season, he experienced chest pressure and shortness of breath on the practice field. 

Doctors ran multiple tests and found nothing. But Tucker and his parents knew something was wrong. Nothing eased the pressure he felt. 

"That’s a scary feeling as a parent… knowing that your child is in pain, having no idea why or how to make him feel better,” says his mom, Lisa Mullen.

A second opinion at Children’s National Hospital revealed that Tucker had a congenital heart condition called anomalous origin of the right coronary artery. It restricts blood flow, can cause a heart attack and is a common cause of sudden death among athletes. 

"This condition is very difficult to detect and most people who have it, don’t even know it,” says Charles Berul, MD, emeritus chief, Cardiology and co-director of Children's National Heart and Lung Center. At 21, Tucker had heart surgery at our main campus and was back on the field after his recovery. 

He wants young athletes to know that it’s OK to ask for help. “I’m glad I spoke up about my chest pain and am grateful for the team at Children’s National,” said Tucker. “They found an answer and possibly saved my life.”