It Takes a Village: Parker’s Story of Healing and Hope

For the first several years of his life, Parker spent more time in hospitals than at home. Born with a rare birth defect called gastroschisis, where the intestines develop outside the body, Parker underwent multiple surgeries and intensive therapies to stabilize his digestive system. Later diagnosed with autism and ADHD, 13-year-old Parker has received services through Children’s Village for more than a decade.

Parker has done occupational and physical therapy, speech and feeding therapy, and the advanced behavior therapy program when he was newly diagnosed with autism,” shares his mom, Kelli. “He’s come so far, and it’s been completely life-changing for our entire family.”

Because of the complexity of Parker’s condition, their family has spent countless hours at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital’s pediatric unit and at Children’s Village. Thanks to generous donors throughout our Valley, specialized pediatric care is available right here at home – sparing families like Parker’s from frequent trips out of our Valley for treatment.

“There were many nights I didn’t sleep at all when Parker was little,” Kelli reflects. “His feeding tube or IVs would need attention, or he’d have to be rushed to the hospital. His care was a 24/7 job, and it took a toll physically and emotionally.”

Today, Parker is thriving – sweet, funny, and full of life. “Parker would be a totally different kid if it weren’t for Children’s Village,” Kelli says. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I couldn’t have raised mine without them.”