Man, 22, Spends Night Before Major Brain Surgery Reading Children’s Books with His Friends (Exclusive)

A young man, Tucker Nelson, was faced with a life-altering diagnosis of a brain tumor at the tender age of 22. With just a week between the discovery of the tumor on August 1st and the scheduled surgery on August 8th, Tucker and his loved ones had little time to grasp the magnitude of the situation. Supported by his girlfriend, Kiya McLaurin, the tight-knit community around Nelson played a pivotal role in the days leading up to the major surgery.

McLaurin shared exclusively with PEOPLE the heartwarming story of how Tucker’s friends and family rallied around him on the eve of his surgery. Approximately 25 people joined a pizza party in the hospital’s waiting room to show their unwavering support. As the night progressed and exhaustion set in for Tucker, a core group of 10 friends accompanied him to his hospital room, refusing to let him face the daunting journey ahead alone.

In a touching moment that has since gone viral with over 16.5 million views on TikTok, McLaurin picked up the childhood classic, “The Giving Tree,” a book that held special significance for Nelson. What started as a light-hearted gesture evolved into a profound and emotional experience as the heartfelt words of the book resonated deeply with everyone present in the hospital room.

As McLaurin read aloud, the atmosphere in the room shifted, with tears, recordings, and a myriad of emotions filling the space. The symbolism of the book, with its themes of selflessness and enduring love, mirrored Nelson’s own character, described by McLaurin as a giving and supportive presence in the lives of those around him. The video of this poignant moment captured the essence of love and solidarity, striking a chord with millions of viewers worldwide.

Following a successful surgery, Nelson’s resilience and positivity shone through, surprising doctors with his upbeat demeanor post-operation. McLaurin, who has been a pillar of strength throughout this challenging time, emphasised the importance of validating emotions and maintaining hope in the face of adversity. The support and love shown by Nelson’s community have left a lasting impact, with plans for tattoos commemorating their shared bond and the enduring spirit of “The Giving Tree.”

In the midst of uncertainty and fear, the story of Tucker Nelson and his circle of friends serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. Their unwavering support and love exemplify the power of unity in times of adversity, reminding us all of the profound impact of human connection and compassion. As Nelson continues his recovery journey, surrounded by love and positivity, his story stands as a testament to the strength found in community and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.