JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — What began as a spring break getaway for the Smith family quickly became a life-altering ordeal.

In a matter of hours, Mandi and Billy Smith of Rincon went from watching their sons, Tucker, 9, and Tanner, 7, swim and play on Amelia Island to sitting in an emergency room, facing a diagnosis no parent ever expects.

Now, just two weeks later, those moments have given way to a blur of hospital rooms, test results and prayers.

Tucker was diagnosed March 31 with T-cell leukemia after the family trip quickly turned into a medical emergency.

T-cell leukemia is a rare form of blood cancer that affects white blood cells and requires intensive chemotherapy.

Active, energetic

Tucker, a fourth grader at Ebenezer Elementary School, is an active child who loves the outdoors, baseball, dirt bikes, four-wheeling and boating, his mother said. He was playing baseball the week before his diagnosis.

“Super happy, energetic boy,” Mandi said.

Sudden symptoms

During the trip, the Smith family checked into their hotel on Amelia Island. After swimming in the pool and eating lunch, Tucker began complaining of stomach pain.

At first, Mandi feared appendicitis. When she checked his abdomen, she said it was very tender.

She took him to urgent care and then to the emergency room.

“His white blood count was abnormally high and a CAT scan revealed he has a mass in his chest,” she said.

Diagnosis, treatment

Tucker was transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, where doctors diagnosed T-cell leukemia. He started chemotherapy immediately and remains hospitalized.

The treatment plan, including maintenance therapy, is expected to last about 2½ years, Mandi said.

Mandi has left her job to stay with her son in Jacksonville. Tucker’s father, Billy, a longshoreman, is traveling back and forth between Rincon and Jacksonville.

Mandi said Tucker has had ups and downs during his hospital stay, including time in intensive care and a return to the ICU.

“There have been ups and downs,” she said. “We’re just rolling with the punches.”

Tucker is expected to eventually be transferred closer to home to Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah.

Community support

Back in Rincon, support for the family has grown quickly.

Longtime friends Genefer Graham and Cat Vachon have launched a “TuckerStrong” Facebook page and are organizing fundraisers to support the Smith family. A list of events is pinned to the top of the page.

“We want to thank the community for the tremendous support,” Vachon. “It has been amazing. We are in awe of the Effingham community. We appreciate the support and prayers. We believe they are working. You are not alone — you have an army behind you — Tucker’s Army.”

Mandi said the outpouring of support has meant a great deal to the family.

“We are overwhelmingly grateful for all the fundraisers and people reaching out,” she said. “We live in such a wonderful community. We just need lots of prayers for our little boy to get through this.”

‘Tucker Strong’

Despite the challenges, Tucker continues to show strength, his mother said.

“He’s a fighter. He’s been brave and courageous. He’s been so strong. Tucker Strong — that’s his slogan.”

Graham said she has known the Smith family for years and described them as highly involved parents who are always present for their children.

“I’ve known the Smith family for many years, and what has always stood out most is how involved and present Mandi and Billy are with Tucker and Tanner,” she said. “They’re always creating memories, always doing something fun together — it’s just who they are.”

She said Tucker’s response to his diagnosis has been inspiring and said the effort is focused on helping the family concentrate on his recovery.

“Watching Tucker face leukemia with that same strength and spirit is incredibly inspiring,” Graham said. “I feel truly honored to help organize fundraisers and support this family so they can focus on what matters most — getting Tucker well.”