Building a Full Life Gucker Bec was born in Sudan and lived with relatives in Egypt and South Dakota before moving to Rochester. At age three he was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the spine which was treated with medication until 2001. At that time he began to use a cane to assist with walking. By 2004 his spastic paraparesis had progressed to the point where he needed to use a wheelchair.

Following surgery at Mayo Clinic he lived in a nursing home until he could go to Courage Center for rehabilitation. Gucker moved into his own ASI apartment at Bostrom Terrace in May 2005. Today he enjoys TV, music, drawing and computers. He also participates in most of the activities at the building. Although his closest relatives live in South Dakota, he has made many friends in Rochester and plans to stay. Gucker hopes to go to college and recently bought his own lift-equipped van with hand controls.  Read all stories »