Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Tucker.
Danielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Name is Danielle Tucker. I am the owner/operator of a small 501c3 called Restoration Farm/Tuck Prostate Cancer Foundation, Inc.
My husband Jason and I started this nonprofit during his 1 1/2 year battle with advanced prostate cancer. He unfortunately passed away 7 years ago on December 1st. (2018) His battle was incredibly painful.
During his battle, Jason often found comfort with the animals on the farm. It became his passion to share that comfort with others facing similar challenges, especially children. That thoughtful spirit gave birth to Restoration Farm Ministry.
Most importantly, Jason fervently wanted to leave behind a warning – a wake-up call – especially for younger men, about the dangers of early onset prostate cancer. Jason strongly believed that men need to learn about this deadly disease and take action to detect it to catch it early and get effective treatment so more lives can be saved.
So the nonprofit is twofold. We try to educate men on early detection of advanced prostate cancer and minister to our local families facing a cancer diagnosis by hosting farm tours to get families into fresh air and nature. We also remove stressors for these families utilizing our community resources to help the family focus on the patient. We start with weekly prayers and check-ins with our families and find ways to help remove stressors as they come up.
Over the last 5 years of building slowly via social media and word of mouth, we have gone from running on about 1-2 thousand dollars a month to help our families to, this December, finishing the year with almost $20,000. in the bank to help of growing community of families in the battle.
We have acheived this mostly by our transparency. We post our finacials on social media every two months. We have many families who share their testimonials on social media which also help the community know we are a strong and helpful organization. We have been trying to build a name slowly over time by standing by our families faithfully.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The most challenging moments have been when families have lost children. One spring we lost 3 kids in 2 months. I was thinking of closing down because of the emotional toll and I was going through my own cancer scare. But something inside told me “people need to know they are not alone. You have to keep going”
The lowest point was when we got down to $200 left in the donations account. I did a post sharing this info on Facebook that even if we run out of funds, we will just post our families needs on social media with hopes of getting them met! A year and a half later, from building a strong name, we are in a much better financial position as a result.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We serve the local community facing cancer by offering farm tours and emotional support . We provide services for our families like home cleaning, yard work, junk removal, appliance repair/replacement, send families on a horseback ride, basically any way we can reduce the stress a cancer diagnosis creates. We contract with local business like Martin’s Produce in Tate Ga. and our families can recieve weekly produce in the spring through the fall to stay strong and healthy.
I am proud of building a good name by being 100% transparent with our finances. It has made the biggest diffrence in our success. I believe this is what sets us apart from other nonprofits.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books; The Bible
The Wounded Warrior by Dr. Steve Stevens
Podcasts; Preston Morrison the Leaders Cut
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.restorationfarm-tpcf.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restoration.farm.9
Image Credits
Restoration Farm
