Parker Bailey's FUND THE FIGHT

It was late August, right before school started, when Parker came down with a fever. The fever appeared to be like any other virus and was accompanied by headaches, fatigue and neck pain. However, as time went on, his fever became very persistent and completely unrelenting and the neck pain was alarmingly more intense. Parker had several doctor's visits and was tested for many different viruses associated with his symptoms. Thankfully, they all came back negative, but it was at this point that Mandy, his mother, felt the strong pull of her intuition. She and her husband Mike knew in their hearts that something was just not right with Parker.  As Mandy was at work one day she told her co-workers, "It is the neck pain that is really scaring me." She went on to joke in an effort to lighten her worry, "I mean it could be all the Fortnight he is playing!"

Finally, this past weekend (9/7/18), as Parker's fever continued to spike and his health deteriorate they knew they must take him to the hospital. Immediately, they got in the car and drove to Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem. Parker received a chest x-ray and CT scan. As the results of the tests were delivered to Mandy and Mike, the world they knew was turned upside down. A mass was found in Parker's chest and it was believed to be a lymphoma.

Over the course of the next few days several tests were done , including a biopsy, which led to the diagnosis of T cell lymphoblastic leukemia. It was the most traumatic and devastating news the Bailey's could have ever received; however, they found great hope in that this type of leukemia is a very treatable disease. It will by no means be an easy battle, as Parker will require 2-3 years of chemotherapy, but the prognosis of curing his type of leukemia is highly successful.

The surgeons at Brenner's placed Parker's port for chemo today (9/13/18) and his treatment will begin immediately. Parker continues to keep a positive attitude toward his illness and is ready to fight this cancer head on! Through the pain and devastation of this past week, Parker and his family continue to carry their faith through God and feel the gift of Parker's promising future --- a long and full life.

The Bailey family has been a staple of the Davie County community for generations. Mandy, a dental hygienist at Hillsdale Dental, and Mike, owner of Bailey's Barbershop, have served the Davie County community for over 20 years! They have served not only in their respective professions, but also in their church and schools. They are a wonderful, hard-working family filled with love, friendship and immense faith. They have two kids, Parker, a  strong, curious, 12-year-old who loves video games, lacrosse and basketball, and Zowie, a quiet, fun-loving 10-year-old who loves cheer and playing with her friends.

We have started this GoFundMe page in and effort to help the Bailey family manage the expenses associated with fighting a devastating illness such as Parker's. This fundraising effort is intended to lessen the financial burden (i.e. medical expenses, meals, loss of income, etc.) on the Bailey family while they  focus on healing and supporting Parker through his journey. No one can ever anticipate fighting cancer, let alone watching your child battle it. We thank you for reading about Parker's story and for supporting the Bailey family in whatever way you can. Please continue to hold Parker and his family up in prayer and know that they feel the strength and arms of their community around them.

#PARKERSCRUSADERS