Jonathan Laird Parker
12/3/96-12/16/98

My Hero
 

Jonathan  Laird Parker...a name that will live forever in my heart. This amazing little boy  had courage - he  went through so many challenges in his time here on earth, and yet always had love to give to others.  He touched so many lives. I hope to one day tell him how much he influenced my life...how I love him...how I love his family. For now I will do my best to make him proud of me- to give to others all the love I can, as he did.
I'll Always Remember You
Jonathan

 

Jonathan fought a valiant battle with rhabdoid cancer. Please visit the rhabdoid kids page and keep these wonderful children in your prayers as they fight on to victory!


Jonathan's Story- written by Dad, Gregg Parker!


Jonathan was born December 3, 1996 much to the delight of my wife Stacey and I, as well as his sister Meghan. His favorite activities were "jumping" up and down in our laps, as well as of course, playing with Meghan. He adored her ~ especially making her laugh and "buzzing" her tummy. He also loved to be sung and read to. He had just learned to crawl, and was taking a few practice steps while holding on to the table in the living room. He was overall, happy. Such a simple word, but it totally encompassed our Jonathan ~ and would give us brief glimpses of hope over the next months in that special smile of his. FRIDAY, JULY 25, 1997: A DAY THAT WOULD CHANGE OUR LIVES FOREVER. On this day, he began passing blood in his diaper. After several days of tests, it was discovered that he had a tumor in his right kidney. The kidney had to be removed, and upon examination, the tumor was found to be a Rhabdoid Tumor, extremely rare. In fact, only 111 other cases had been documented at that point throughout the world. This type of tumor has a tendency to spread to the lungs and/or brain. In every single case where it spread outside the kidney, the child has died. When it has not spread, the survival rate was still only 10%. He was shortly thereafter diagnosed with a brain tumor. I refused to "hear" the doctors. The term "no hope" was just not an option for me. We found a surgeon who agreed to try doing surgery. He took out what he could of the tumor and then Jonathan had 18 weeks of Chemo. It was a difficult process for him, but he was ever brave and always gave us the smile. The cancer had returned and was growing even faster, and left no other treatment available. His time was short. He liked trains and fire trucks, being outside and enjoying the weather and listening to the birds. We took endless walks at all hours of the day and night. He loved to cuddle with beanie babies, and his wiener dog, "Oscar", who would sit patiently beside him, "guarding him". He loved every moment with his sister, Meghan ~ his "sis", the best in the world. He loved being with his Nanny (his grandmother), who catered to his every heart's desire. Jonathan loved life. Jonathan passed away on December 16th, 1998, just after his 2nd birthday. Jonathan had a beautiful smile and a wonderful nature, despite all that he'd been through. He is truly our "Hero". Jonathan lived, and still lives on, in all of us whom he touched ~ that's what Angels do. ****************************************************************************** Rhabdoid kids page


Click here to hear Skin by Rascal Flatts


Sara Beth is scared to death
To hear what the doctor will say
She hasn't been well, since the day that she fell
And the bruise just won't go away

So she sits and she waits with her mother and dad
And flips through an old magazine
Till the nurse with the smile stands in the door
And says will you please come with me

Sara Beth is scared to death
Cause the doctor just told her the news
Between the red cells and white, something's not right
But we're gonna take care of you

Six chances in ten, it won't come back again
With the therapy we're gonna try
It's just been approved, it's the strongest there is
And I think that we caught it in time
And Sara Beth closes her eyes.

Chorus:
And she dreams she's dancing
Around and around without any cares
And her very first love is holding her close
And a soft wind is blowing her hair

Sara Beth is scared to death
As she sits holding her mom
Cause it would be a mistake for someone to take
A girl with no hair to the prom

For just this morning, right here on her pillow
Was the cruelest of any surprise
And she cried when she gathered it all in her hands
The proof that she couldn't deny
And Sara Beth closes her eyes

Chorus:
And she dreams she's dancing
Around and around without any cares
And her very first love is holding her close
And a soft wind is blowing her hair

Bridge
It's quarter to seven, that boy's at the door
And her daddy ushers him in
And when he takes off his cap
They all start to cry
Cause this morning where his hair had all been
Softly she touches just skin

And they go dancing, around and around
Without any cares
And her very first true love is holding her close
And for a moment she isn't scared

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