Parker was a straight-A student with a passion for remote control cars and photography.  He had a large circle of friends and enjoyed being with his buddies when he felt good. Parker had a sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. He was one of four children and learned before he died he was going to be an uncle. His sister let him pick his soon-to-be nephew’s name, Brayden Parker, due July 7.

Parker’s mother, Caren,  noticed his left eye was wandering and did not look right in March 2013. He had been unusually tired leading up to his diagnosis and although he had been having headaches and double vision, he made no complaints and was still attending school daily. His parents took him to the optometrist, then the ophthalmologist sent Parker to Children's Hospital of Orange County Emergency Room and within days he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma.

Parker was 12 when he was diagnosed. He had surgery within a few days of his diagnosis followed by the standard protocol of radiation and chemotherapy.  He was NED for almost a year when his family learned through a routine scan he relapsed in January 2015. He received additional chemotherapy and was accepted into a clinical trial at the University of Texas MD Anderson Center in September 2015. He gained his wings February 6, 2016.

Caren says Parker is her hero because, “(He) inspired me along with so many others by always remaining positive with a smile on his face. He never showed he was scared nor did he allow us to remain sad. Parker reminded us that life is a gift and to live and love everyone.” 

Caren wants others to know who may be facing a similar situation that it may bring you to your knees when you learn your child has cancer, but keeping positive through the journey and doing things your hero loves will make forever memories. 

“It’s going to be OK.” – Parker 

Information provided by Caren Eckburg, Parker’s mother, May 2016