Time and money are short for a St. Paul couple waiting for a new heart for their 4-year-old son. Connor Tucker was born with a heart defect that has left one side of his heart smaller than it should be.

"Since that time he's had three surgeries, open heart surgeries," said his father Mike Tucker.

Tucker and his wife, Amber have health insurance, but it was maxed out early on.

"I've pretty much used all of my vacation, and sick time, so any time iIneed to be off to be here, it's with no pay," said Amber Tucker.

Connor had open-heart surgery in September to replace his pacemaker.

"We went home that night feeling really good, and came in the next day and he went into heart failure," said Mike Tucker.

Connor has been under sedation since Sept. 3. Doctors are waiting for his heart to get stronger so they can install a Berlin Heart until a donor heart becomes available.

"The Berlin Heart is not FDA approved, but they are allowed to use it for compassionate use," said Amber Tucker.

Once he gets the Berlin Heart doctors will be able to wake him up so he can communicate with his family.

"Just to see him smile again, hear his voice, it will make everything all better," said his mother.

In the meantime, medical bills are mounting. Friends and relatives have set up a fund to help the family and are also planning a benefit on Nov. 7.

Donations can be sent to the Highgrove Community Federal Credit Union, 1804 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55116 to the attention of Love for Connor Benefit.

The benefit will be held Nov. 7 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. At Casa Vieja, 2176 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN, 55116.