Hometown: Pataskala, OH
Age on Race Day: 11
Diagnosis: Craniopharyngioma
When Parker’s ophthalmologist ordered an outpatient MRI, he and his parents received results they never expected. Parker had a massive craniopharyngioma, a rare, brain tumor that typically grows near the pituitary gland. He was immediately admitted to Nationwide Children's Hospital where he met with teams from ophthalmology, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, endocrinology, and more.
Four days later, Parker underwent his first surgery – a craniotomy to debulk the tumor. Testing had already shown the tumor was very involved and the procedure would likely be long. After 12 hours, surgeons had only removed about 30% of the tumor due to its location and structure. Parker would need a second surgery to complete the debulking.
After four days of recovery, Parker was back in the operating room. This time, however, surgeons were able to complete the procedure using a different approach.
Parker still had a long journey ahead of him. Though smaller in size, the tumor was still positioned on his pituitary gland and caused hormone deficiencies and other side effects. Parker and his care team worked hard to rebalance his hormones and rebuild his strength. Once stable, he was discharged to begin proton therapy, a form of radiation therapy for complex tumors that cannot be removed through surgery. The new state-of-the-art proton therapy center, a partnership between Nationwide Children’s and The Ohio State University, had just opened in time for Parker’s treatment.
After a month of therapy, Parker was able to return to school. Though he developed additional diagnoses due to the location of the tumor and the complexity of its removal, Parker remains a happy, sweet, and strong boy.
