GRESHAM, Ore. — The Gresham High School community is rallying around junior football player Tucker Santillanes, who remains in intensive care after suffering a severe spinal cord injury during a game against David Douglas on Friday, Sept. 19.
Injury on the Field
Late in the game, Tucker sustained a neck injury that brought play to a halt. Portland Fire & Rescue personnel quickly stabilized him on the field before transporting him by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
As medical teams worked, both Gresham and David Douglas players gathered in a circle and knelt in silence. Tucker’s family was brought onto the field to be with him during the tense moments.
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“Being called onto the field and seeing him unable to move was a sobering moment,” said Tom Santillanes, Tucker’s father. “Tucker is tough and resilient, and we have confidence in his strength.”
Surgery and Early Progress
Doctors performed a three-hour surgery to repair Tucker’s C5 vertebra. While his recovery remains uncertain, his family says he has already shown encouraging signs.
Over the weekend, Tucker was able to sit up in bed, sip orange juice, and even watch college football. Most significantly, he has regained movement and sensation in his arms. The family continues to pray for similar progress in his legs.
Community Support
The Santillanes family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and encouragement they have received.
“I can’t find words to express our gratitude for the way we were surrounded outside the emergency room — friends, teammates, coaches, school administrators,” Tom said. “All the texts have meant so much, even if we haven’t been able to respond individually.”
Messages of support have poured in from across the community, with students, teachers, and neighbors offering prayers, cards, and donations.
Ongoing Care
Tucker will remain in the ICU for the foreseeable future. Doctors are keeping him on medication to reduce swelling in his spinal cord, and his condition is being closely monitored. It is too early to determine his long-term prognosis, but his family remains hopeful as he continues to take small steps forward each day.
How to Help
For those wishing to support Tucker and his family during this difficult time:
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Send a card: Mountainview Christian Church, 1890 N.E. Cleveland Ave., Gresham, OR 97030
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Donate online: GoFundMe page at “Tucker Strong: Aid for His Recovery Journey”
The funds will help cover medical expenses and provide support for Tucker’s ongoing rehabilitation.
A Community United
While the future remains uncertain, the outpouring of care reflects how deeply Tucker has touched those around him. His family, coaches, and teammates say his grit on the football field mirrors the determination he is now bringing to his recovery.
For Gresham, Tucker’s fight is more than just one family’s challenge — it is a reminder of the strength of community and the power of coming together in the face of hardship.
