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PARKER'S PAGE 
Welcome to Parker's Web Page. This page has been established to keep everyone up to date on Parker's progress while he is in treatment.
On December 20th, 2003, our youngest son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). We have learned that this is the most common form of childhood cancer. Parker was in the hospital over the Christmas holidays, where he endured a number of tests related to his diagnosis. He was selected to participate in a group study and is being treated with the appropriate chemotherapy, according to protocol. Parker's cancer is now technically in remission, but the current phase of treatment that he is involved in, is intended to try to prevent any relapses in the future. If everything works right, at the end of June 2006, he will be finished with all of his Chemo treatments.
Parker is currently being treated at the offices of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology of Northern Virginia. The staff there are wonderful. He actually looks forward to the doctor appointments so that he can see his friends (doctors, nurses, and other sick children). They have all made him feel special and right at home. Parker is handling his treatments pretty well. He has had some very long treatment weeks and some shorter ones, but he just takes them all one day at a time. He has been an inspiration to us.
Parker has made many friends and met some interesting and famous people during his time in treatment. But he has also had to deal with issues that children should not have to face. Several young patients have had to come back to the doctor's office for a second illness because the cancer that they beat the first time around has returned. And some children that Parker became friends with, like Chassity, Allie, Mark and Ryan have passed away from their illnesses. As parents, we wanted to shield our children from all of the pain and hurt in the world until they were mature enough to handle it, but Parker's current circumstances have made that impossible. We talk often and we try to answer all of his questions honestly and in a way that he will understand. So Far so good.
Kathy and Logan are doing well in spite of everything that is happening. Kathy has always been the rock. She is incredibly strong and has shown again that she is able to handle anything that is thrown her way. Logan has helped to keep everything as normal as possible and still treats Parker as he has always treated his little brother.
The most amazing thing to us has been the outpouring of prayers and support that our family has received since Parker became ill. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone, to include people we have never even met. We are truly blessed.
The last thing that I want to mention is the charity GROWING HOPE. They are a small local charity that provides supportive, nonmedical care to children with cancer and their families. Growing Hope has been there for us from day one and they have assisted us through some very stressful times. We were provided with literature about Leukemia and reference material on careing for a sick child at home. The volunters, especially Margy, are always there to lean on when things get a little rough and are only a phone call away if we need them. Because some visits to the clinic can be all day affairs, there are activities and food for the children at every doctor's visit, compliments of Growing Hope. They also purchase and distribute tickets to family outings such as the circus, amusement parks, and picnics. But Parker's most favorite thing of all are the suprize pizza parties that occur periodically in the doctor's office. Again, this is all free to the children and their families. I can't say enough good things about how Growing Hope makes a frightful experience, like childhood cancer, a little more bearable.
If you decide that you want to make a tax deductible donation, Growing Hope can be reached at the following:
GROWING HOPE
PO Box 151
Fairfax Station, Va. 22039
They are a 501(c)(3)organization
For more information contact Margy at (703) 876-9111
Mark
Journal
Saturday, June 23, 2007 6:42 PM CDT Hello Everyone,
Parker has just reached another milestone. This month represents exactly one year that he has been off of treatment. His blood counts are still great, thank God. He is looking forward to a busy summer before he starts 5th grade and his last year of elementary school this fall.
Thanks for checking in on Parker,
The Fines
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