NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Most High School graduations are still several months away. But a Loretto High School teen facing an uphill medical battle got a surprise put together by his school, his friends, and family.
Tucker Ratliff, who is 17 years old, has always been a fighter. He's been at battle ever since he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart that couldn't pump blood effectively. He had a heart transplant and has been dealing with its effects since.
Since last year, he's battled infections so severe, his parents didn't know if he'd make it.
Tuesday, his school, his family and friends put together a surprise graduation ceremony for Tucker, with a huge crowd there to celebrate.
"It was one of his bucket list items, he wanted to graduate," said Tucker's mom Anna Brownell. "He worked really hard to get to this point."
The ceremony was held at Monroe Carell Junior Children's Hospital. It featured video messages to Tucker from friends, family and even country star Thomas Rhett.
