Parker is an eight-year-old who carries an infectious smile wherever he goes. He is funny, silly, smart, serious and a fighter. Parker can and will strike up a conversation with anyone, whatever their age. He loves people and is an avid Carolina Panthers and Carolina Gamecocks fan. He is strong. He is brave.
In November 2015, Parker underwent a series of MRIs, which revealed a tumor on his spine. A laminoplasty and biopsy were immediately performed. The pathologist and oncologist reviews from our local children’s hospital (Levine Children’s Hospital) along with opinions from top institutes around the country, diagnosed Parker with an extremely rare Our prayer and hope is that this tumor will go into a “dormant” state.
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, is disseminated down his spine and up into his lower brain. Statistics show this type of cancer occurs in only 2% of children.
Parker began chemotherapy in December 2015. After a few months, the tumor stopped responding to chemotherapy and was continuing to progress. Parker began a second type of chemotherapy regimen that he is currently undergoing. He is facing long-term therapy with the goal of stopping further growth. Our prayer and hope is that this tumor will go into a “dormant” state. This will give time for Parker’s central nervous system and brain to mature. Advances are being made in medicine everyday, but critical research is required to deliver Oligo patients new therapies that are more durable and extend their lives. We will continue Pounding for Parker!
