On March 1st, a normal day turned into our worst nightmare. Parker woke up a healthy and normal 3 month old, then at 10am a fever started, 7pm the fever dropped, 10pm wake up and irritability, 2am emergency room, 8am transport to Santa Clara PICU, 9am diagnosis… Bacterial Menengitis.

For those who don’t know much about Meningitis, it is an infection of the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections, viral being the more common and least serious. Parker unfortunately got hit with Bacterial, and one of the most fast acting, deadly strains.

We started with a fight for Parker’s life including navigating intubation, uncontrollable seizures, EEG seizure monitoring, MRIs, 5 different seizure meds, a medically induced coma, and blood transfusion. Weeks later we stabilized her seizure activity and worked on weaning her off drugs so we can move to the rehabilitation phase. We navigated the space of occupational therapy, physical therapy, failed hearing tests, inconclusive eye exams, state and regional support systems in spirit of bringing Parker home. We saw progress and accepted it was going to be a long road, but committed to absolutely anything we could do to support our daughter.

Then an MRI that changed everything. We were always told that baby brains are neuroplastic and there was great opportunity for any damage to either repair or make new connections in the event of damage, and because of this, we were optimistic. However, the MRI showed Parker’s brain was not recovering or repairing, it was dying and there is now fluid where much of her brain used to be. She would never be able to recover and would likely have a short life. After additional consultations, we discovered another complication of hydrocephalus which would make going on eventually very painful for Parker. We were out of cards to play, the reality set in that we were not going to be taking our beautiful baby home.

Parker passed away on 4/23/23, a day shy of turning 5 months. Parker had spent almost 8 weeks, nearly 40% of her life in the hospital fighting. In the short time she had on this earth, she taught us and gave so much that we are compelled to honor her legacy and ensure her spirit lives on and is amplified.

Read our entire Parent’s Journal Here.

When time comes to face true adversity, Parker showed us what is required.

• Bravery to face uncertainty and long odds

• Strength to fight through the entire spectrum of pain

• Perseverance to endure challenges that evolve and persist

In approaching daily life, Parker woke us up to what we were missing.

• Gratitude for what you have at this moment, a focus on the incredible of NOW.

• Appreciation that what can be taken from you is not what you are striving for, but what you are taking for granted.

In your darkest hour, Parker taught us the value of strong community

• The character of your community is revealed during times of greatest adversity.

• Receiving love and support is not a sign of weakness but a sign that you’ve built a community capable of selfless love.

Learn more here