Team Tony
Donation protected
Anthony “Tony” Parkinson is a brother, son, father, husband, golfer, skier, bike racer, coach, and a friend. He is devoted to his family and his community through his participation in Corner Canyon Lacrosse as a coach. He is an incredible inspiration to how an individual should live life . Tony is best known for his demeanor. Each day is structured, airtight, and allows for very little error accomplishing his daily tasks. Those close to him admire his commitment to his children and the amount of time he finds each day to spend with them. This structure has allowed him to become an outstanding real estate appraiser. Tony is considered one of the best in his profession, and is revered by many as the best in the business.
**The Struggle**
In February of 2016 while doing some routine bloodwork Tony received news of issues with his liver. It was quickly realized Tony had bile duct cancer. The diagnosis was extremely serious from the start. With an outstanding support system of family and friends… a game plan of chemotherapy and radiation were put into play. As part of that plan, it was determined Tony would need a liver transplant. On August 27th, 2016, after months of daily treatments, Tony was blessed to be the recipient of a liver. For several weeks, things seemed to be getting better and on track to recovery.
Although the results of follow up tests and scans seemed to be positive, complications began to manifest through headaches and fevers. It was soon realized that another recipient from the same donor had passed away from a fungal infection. At this time, Tony was rushed to the hospital to undergo more tests only to discover he had contracted the fungal infection called cryptococcal meningitis through the transplant. This is a very rare illness but extremely serious affecting the blood and spinal fluid. It is extremely dangerous for those with compromised immune systems (like someone who just got an organ transplant). After weeks of intense treatments physicians were able to get a handle on this complication.
With more follow up visits and monitoring it was discovered the liver had developed an abscess that would need to be treated. This abscess was sending infection throughout the body and causing serious illness. Tony was again hospitalized while the infection was treated. While treating the infection, an angiogram revealed blockage of the hepatic artery. The diagnosis quickly became a serious concern for the medical team. Through more scans and tests, it has been determined this the artery cannot be repaired. Simply put, Tony is going to need a new liver. He has been placed back on the transplant list while he continues to fight the infection currently attacking his body.
**The Fund**
Anthony has been in the hospital off and on for the past year. Since August, it has been nearly impossible for Tony to work. He has spent over 50 nights in the hospital and countless days running tests. There are many unknowns through an event like this. Tony has insurance, but we are reminded of what someone once said, “insurance is like a hospital gown; you only think you are fully covered.”
Beyond the insurance, there are the expenses of everyday life. In early August, the Parkinson family experienced a flood in their home that wiped out a large chunk of their savings to repair. They have 4 children, one currently serving an LDS Mission. Although insurance will soften the blow of the daunting medical expenses… daily life and bills continue at Tony’s household. Like every responsible father and husband, Tony was prepared for financial hardships and struggles. Every time they feel like their struggles are easing up, another blow is dealt them. Tony owns an appraisal firm and unlike corporate America, income for the self employed is never guaranteed. When health battles persist, there is little to fall back on outside of your reserves and savings. This is not a small struggle. We are hoping that this fund can help ease the burden of worrying about medical bills and expenses while Tony is battling for his health.
We hope and pray a new liver can be found quickly and, during that time the infection can be treated with positive results. Thank you to the many who have reached out during this past year. Many have asked how they can help during this time. THIS IS HOW YOU CAN HELP. Every little bit can make a big difference. Let us help get Tony home with family so he can continue to be a husband and father.
**The Struggle**
In February of 2016 while doing some routine bloodwork Tony received news of issues with his liver. It was quickly realized Tony had bile duct cancer. The diagnosis was extremely serious from the start. With an outstanding support system of family and friends… a game plan of chemotherapy and radiation were put into play. As part of that plan, it was determined Tony would need a liver transplant. On August 27th, 2016, after months of daily treatments, Tony was blessed to be the recipient of a liver. For several weeks, things seemed to be getting better and on track to recovery.
Although the results of follow up tests and scans seemed to be positive, complications began to manifest through headaches and fevers. It was soon realized that another recipient from the same donor had passed away from a fungal infection. At this time, Tony was rushed to the hospital to undergo more tests only to discover he had contracted the fungal infection called cryptococcal meningitis through the transplant. This is a very rare illness but extremely serious affecting the blood and spinal fluid. It is extremely dangerous for those with compromised immune systems (like someone who just got an organ transplant). After weeks of intense treatments physicians were able to get a handle on this complication.
With more follow up visits and monitoring it was discovered the liver had developed an abscess that would need to be treated. This abscess was sending infection throughout the body and causing serious illness. Tony was again hospitalized while the infection was treated. While treating the infection, an angiogram revealed blockage of the hepatic artery. The diagnosis quickly became a serious concern for the medical team. Through more scans and tests, it has been determined this the artery cannot be repaired. Simply put, Tony is going to need a new liver. He has been placed back on the transplant list while he continues to fight the infection currently attacking his body.
**The Fund**
Anthony has been in the hospital off and on for the past year. Since August, it has been nearly impossible for Tony to work. He has spent over 50 nights in the hospital and countless days running tests. There are many unknowns through an event like this. Tony has insurance, but we are reminded of what someone once said, “insurance is like a hospital gown; you only think you are fully covered.”
Beyond the insurance, there are the expenses of everyday life. In early August, the Parkinson family experienced a flood in their home that wiped out a large chunk of their savings to repair. They have 4 children, one currently serving an LDS Mission. Although insurance will soften the blow of the daunting medical expenses… daily life and bills continue at Tony’s household. Like every responsible father and husband, Tony was prepared for financial hardships and struggles. Every time they feel like their struggles are easing up, another blow is dealt them. Tony owns an appraisal firm and unlike corporate America, income for the self employed is never guaranteed. When health battles persist, there is little to fall back on outside of your reserves and savings. This is not a small struggle. We are hoping that this fund can help ease the burden of worrying about medical bills and expenses while Tony is battling for his health.
We hope and pray a new liver can be found quickly and, during that time the infection can be treated with positive results. Thank you to the many who have reached out during this past year. Many have asked how they can help during this time. THIS IS HOW YOU CAN HELP. Every little bit can make a big difference. Let us help get Tony home with family so he can continue to be a husband and father.
Organizer and beneficiary
Steve Saxton
Organizer
Draper, UT
Jill Parkinson
Beneficiary
