FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — A Fresno police officer and his family are facing a life-changing medical crisis as their newborn son prepares for open-heart surgery.
Baby Tucker Biedermann is only 3-months old and is currently at Stanford Medical Center, where he is expected to undergo surgery in May, followed by weeks of recovery.
His mother, Gabriella Biedermann, said she first sensed something was wrong when Tucker wasn’t eating properly.
“My baby wasn’t eating they weren’t doing enough,” she said.
After multiple tests at Valley Children’s Hospital, doctors initially believed Tucker had a small hole in his heart.
Still concerned, Gabriella sought a second opinion.
That decision led them to Stanford, where doctors diagnosed Tucker with Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart defect involving multiple abnormalities, including holes in the heart.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the condition occurs when a baby’s heart does not form properly during pregnancy.
The diagnosis has been especially emotional for the family, which is well known in the Fresno community.
Gabriella shared that she is related to the late Coach Garza, a beloved Central High School football coach who died from Hodgkin lymphoma.
Tucker’s father, Kobe Biedermann, a Fresno police officer, has remained by his son’s side throughout the ordeal.
He says the department has stepped up in support of their family.
“Fresno PD has been very supportive they’re like, ‘No worries, we’ll figure it out. Just take care of your family.’”
Tucker’s surgery is expected to be followed by at least five weeks of recovery in Stanford, though doctors say the long-term outlook remains uncertain.
“Is something going to go wrong? Does he have to get multiple surgeries? There’s no telling what the outcome is going to be yet,” Gabriella said.
To help with mounting medical and travel expenses, the family, along with support from local law enforcement groups, has organized a fundraiser with a goal of $20,000.
The funds will help cover travel costs, medical bills, and the extended hospital stay following Tucker’s surgery.
So far $11,895 has been raised.
Anyone who would like to show their support can click HERE.