Please take a moment to read about Parker, a young boy, who at the tender age of five, has touched the hearts of so many. Please consider offering financial assistance to aid this sweet child and his family in their time of need, and please consider reposting this bulletin.
Bryant and Sheíla
Parker’s Story
Parker was born to Laura Case on August 26th, 2002. The first four years of his life were full of running, playing with transformers, swimming, and other things that little boys like to do. Although he has been raised by his single mother, it is obvious from his engaging smile and joyous attitude, that he has never lacked for love
In May of 2007, this family's world came apart. Parker began complaining of leg pain. He was having headaches, and trouble urinating. Doctors were unaware that his symptoms could be something worse, so they diagnosed him as having growing pains. The pain continued, and one day Parker awoke screaming that he could not move his legs Being a nurse herself, Laura feared for her son, and knew he needed immediate medical attention. She rushed Parker to the hospital.
After many tests and a hospitalizatio
n, Parker was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM). TM is an autoimmune disorder, and is associated with multiple sclerosis. This is a condition resulting from inflammation of the spinal cord, that causes communications relayed between the spine and the rest of the body, damaging nerves, and results in a variety of problems. TM is rare. There are only about 1,400 cases in the United States per year. There is currently no cure. It comes on suddenly, and often causes paralysis, but it usually never affects children as young as Parker. In Parker's case, it effected his ability to urinate on his own. If Parker gets ill, it affects his entire body. If he gets a fever, the inflammation of his spine can flare up, causing temporary paralysis.
Shortly after Parker's hospitalizatio
n in May, Laura lost her job, she and Parker lost their home, and some of their relationships have ended as well. They are now living with Laura's parents, and after Parker began attending kindergarten, Laura was able to find a job. Parker's school experience has not been smooth. Other children have teased him because he has to wear a watch to remind him to use the bathroom. Some of the children have even begun to push him down.
Because TM is so rare, there are only a few doctors in the world who are trained to treat it. The family, who currently lives in Montana, is forced to travel to Washington to seek medical attention. On a recent trip to the Seattle Children's Hospital, the specialist told Laura that Parker's bladder has been so damaged, there is no possibility of repairing it. Parker's only hope is to have a surgery that will allow him to catheterize himself through his belly button. This will eventually allow him to relieve himself on his own, and minimize risk of damage to his kidneys. However, he will never again urinate normally.
Parker's surgery was originally planned for January or February. However, recent tests taken on Thursday, October 11th, revealed that Parker's kidneys are becoming damaged, and the surgery will have to be done as early as possible. The surgery is scheduled for October 23rd, leaving the family very little time for planning or fundraising. Because of Parker's medical condition post surgery, it will be IMPERATIVE for them to fly instead of driving to Washington. The surgery is expensive. It is estimated to cost from $200,000- 300,000, but insurance will only cover 75%. This could leave the family with a bill of $50,000-75,000+, along with a $5,000 insurance deductible The hospital is willing to work with the family as long as all the copays and deductibles are met.
Parker's recovery will be at least six weeks, of which time, Laura will need to stay at home to care for him. During this time, Laura will not be getting paid. She is not eligible for FMLA, so bills will continue to mount.
This family is in DIRE need of our help! Please pray for this child, and please consider supporting their financial needs!
PLEASE consider giving financially toward this little boy's surgery In addition to financial needs, Parker is in need of warm Winter clothing. Due to his medical conditions, he was on steroids for a period of time. This has caused him to grow very rapidly, and he is currently without warm clothes for the Winter.
If you would like to send Parker clothing, please take a look at Parker's List of Needs in the blog section of the Hope And Support Page (
www.MySpace.co m/HopeAndSupport).
Financial donations can be made by visiting
www.PayPal.com, and monies may be sent to
Acure4Parker@gmail.comCards and care packages can be sent to the following address:
Parker & Laura Case
PO Box 2352
Missoula MT 59806
www.HopeAndSup port.com
