Keep Pounding for Parker
Donation protected
Parker lives in Huntersville, North Carolina, and will be seven years old in January 2016. He carries an infectious smile wherever he goes. He is funny, silly, smart, serious and a fighter. Parker can strike up a conversation with anyone, whatever their age. He loves people and is an avid Carolina Panthers fan. He is strong. He is brave and we love him so much.
In his early years, Parker was diagnosed with mild spastic cerebral palsy. Recently, under medical advice, he underwent a series of MRIs, which revealed a tumor on his spine. A laminoplasty and biopsy were immediately performed. The pathologist and oncologist reviews along with opinions from Johns Hopkins and Duke diagnosed Parker with an extremely rare glioneuronal tumor, more specifically a disseminated oligodendroglial cell-like leptomeningeal tumor (DOGLT). His cancer, which seems to have originated between his C2 and T2 vertebrae, has disseminated all the way down his spine and up into his lower brain. Statistics show this type of cancer occurs in only 2% of children. At this time, his quality of life is good and he is not exhibiting many symptoms. The good news is that this cancer is treatable and our family is very hopeful.
Parker’s next steps are to begin chemotherapy as quickly as possible. He is facing long-term therapy with the goal of stopping further growth. Our hope is that this tumor will go into a “dormant” state. This will give time for Parker’s central nervous system (CNS) and brain to mature (typically around 20 years old). At that point Parker will be facing radiation therapy and continued encounters with this disease.
Parker and his family have a long journey ahead of them. Facing this road with them are family, friends and a community from around the world that has supported them with prayer, positivity and a mantra of #KeepPoundingForParker. Allison, Jon and little brother Owen have remained steady and strong for Parker.
Insurance will help with some of the expenses. There will be other costs ahead. We ask that you please support our family on this journey. We appreciate each and everyone of you and your investment in this challenge.
We thank everyone of you for your prayers. The outpouring of love for Parker and the entire family has been amazing to witness. Our strength and hope is fed from all of you and we appreciate your support.
“The really important things are not houses and lands, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real estate, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith.”
-Bertrand Russell
For more information and for updates, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KeepPoundingforParker .
#KeepFaith #KeepHope #KeepTogether #KeepPOUNDING #KeepPoundingForParker
In his early years, Parker was diagnosed with mild spastic cerebral palsy. Recently, under medical advice, he underwent a series of MRIs, which revealed a tumor on his spine. A laminoplasty and biopsy were immediately performed. The pathologist and oncologist reviews along with opinions from Johns Hopkins and Duke diagnosed Parker with an extremely rare glioneuronal tumor, more specifically a disseminated oligodendroglial cell-like leptomeningeal tumor (DOGLT). His cancer, which seems to have originated between his C2 and T2 vertebrae, has disseminated all the way down his spine and up into his lower brain. Statistics show this type of cancer occurs in only 2% of children. At this time, his quality of life is good and he is not exhibiting many symptoms. The good news is that this cancer is treatable and our family is very hopeful.
Parker’s next steps are to begin chemotherapy as quickly as possible. He is facing long-term therapy with the goal of stopping further growth. Our hope is that this tumor will go into a “dormant” state. This will give time for Parker’s central nervous system (CNS) and brain to mature (typically around 20 years old). At that point Parker will be facing radiation therapy and continued encounters with this disease.
Parker and his family have a long journey ahead of them. Facing this road with them are family, friends and a community from around the world that has supported them with prayer, positivity and a mantra of #KeepPoundingForParker. Allison, Jon and little brother Owen have remained steady and strong for Parker.
Insurance will help with some of the expenses. There will be other costs ahead. We ask that you please support our family on this journey. We appreciate each and everyone of you and your investment in this challenge.
We thank everyone of you for your prayers. The outpouring of love for Parker and the entire family has been amazing to witness. Our strength and hope is fed from all of you and we appreciate your support.
“The really important things are not houses and lands, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real estate, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith.”
-Bertrand Russell
For more information and for updates, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KeepPoundingforParker .
#KeepFaith #KeepHope #KeepTogether #KeepPOUNDING #KeepPoundingForParker
Organizer and beneficiary
Laura Yost
Organizer
Huntersville, NC
Allison Cowherd
Beneficiary