Parker Christensen is like every other Santa Clarita teen who dreams of high school. What it would be like, the friendships he may develop, making the football team, Friday night games and more…Working hard and excelling at everything he puts his mind to, Parker did just that. He made the freshman football team and held his GPA to maintain his education as well as participate in team sports. He spent a successful freshman year under the leadership of Coach McKeon and had formed an immediate and deep bond with his “brothers” on the team. Then in October 2014 Parker took a big hit, literally and figuratively.
The injury sent Parker to the doctors for more information and follow-up. During his doctor visits they discovered a hematoma in his chest. A hematoma is defined as: a solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues, which ran in line with this hit Parker took on the field. Parker recovered under the care of his mom Dawn and doctor follow-ups. All and all he was an average teenage kid who took his punches and recovered to play another day.
It was the following February that Parker found himself playing with a lump on his collarbone. I wasn’t causing him any pain and he didn’t feel sick, but he showed his mom Dawn after school that day. Like all moms, Dawn’s heart sunk and she was immediately concerned. Hoping for the best, but thinking the worst, Dawn made the appointment for Parker.
Parker explained the results and his plans to move forward in his own words.
“Following tests, we were able to get a biopsy in March and a PET/CT scan. Then I received the diagnosis: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 2 after they found 2 additional masses! I was mad and a little scared at first. I was worried about not being able to play football again and scared about how sick I might be. But I learned quickly that this is very treatable and survivable cancer. I started chemotherapy in late March and recently received a clean scan along with my last chemo treatment in July. Chemo is not fun and I cannot wait to get back to “normal” with football and martial arts. I’m ready to be over this ‘speed bump’. And that’s what I focus on: getting through it and moving on!”
Now on the JV team, Parker receives support from his mom, his ‘brothers’ and Coach Dan Cota. The acceptance and support the team has shown him not only gives him the much needed support to triumph over this battle, but they also encourage him to get back on the field.
Recently Parker learned that Lymphoma cells kind of trick immune system cells into not fighting them off and through research, there may be a day when we can boost the immune system cells in a way to fight Lymphoma off not just try to kill the bad (and good cells) with chemo.
“That’s why I support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Their contributions to research and patient care are so important. Pediatric cancer research needs a LOT of help with funding. Only four percent of all money raised goes to pediatric cancer research. And with that funding, I get great care at Children’s Hospital L.A. I thank you for what you do, and I thank my friends, family and teammates for their awesome support. Nobody fights this alone.” – Parker
Griffin Gives Foundation’s 1st Annual
Hodgkins Haters 1st Annual Golf Tournament
Wednesday, September 16 @ Robinson Ranch Golf Club.
– 9:00 a.m. Check in Begins – 10:30 a.m. Putting Contest
– 11:00 a.m. Shotgun Start, BBQ Lunch on the turn
– 5:00 p.m. Awards dinner
Awards Dinner immediately following Ball Drop
There will be Team Awards including a putting contest,
closest to the hole, longest drive, helicopter ball drop and
grand prize hole in one prize: Brand New Ford Mustang.
For more information, please visit www.cancersucks.dojiggy.com.