|
Parker Inks is every bit as
inspiring as Rudy Ruettiger, of Notre Dame fame.
That was evident by the
formation of Parker's Purpose Foundation and turnout of about 350 people
for a dinner and auction at Ole Zim's Wagon Shed in Fremont on Friday.
"It's actually overwhelming
to see the kind of support the community gives," Inks' mother Patti
said. "Last year was for our family and with the overwhelming support we
wanted to start Parker's Purpose and help that many more families.
"I can't wait to see how many
more families we can help."
The foundation's name stems
from the fact Inks fought and had a purpose after being taken by
LifeFlight to the hospital last March because of complications from
multiple sclerosis. A similar dinner to Friday's held last year raised
funds for the Inks' financial needs.
This year, Parker's Purpose
is trying to help others. The dinner and auction's scope expanded this
year to benefit the foundation, formed to financially help families
facing similar crises.
"Through the process last
year, we thought we should keep the giving going," said Todd Drusback,
SJCC football coach and president of the foundation. "Through Parker's
fight and purpose we're working to help others facing similar
challenges. We want to help take stress away from families even if just
for a little bit and allow them to be parents for their kids."
Colin and Jakob Robison, who
have a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome, now have access to
expensive medication from overseas not covered by insurance that has
reduced the frequency of their seizures by 95 percent over the past
year.
Britanie Botton, mother of
Gino, can now take time off work to be with her son as he undergoes
surgery for a detached retina and deals with profound hearing loss in
both ears.
The foundation has also
assisted the Hisey family, as daughter Tyler and son Tanner were both
diagnosed with leukemia between 2006 and 2008.
Ruettiger, who overcame long
odds to play football for the Fighting Irish, was the keynote speaker
Friday. He said you'll always have a new dream if you're inspired and
everything happens with good thoughts.
Parker, who served as ballboy
for the Crimson Streaks football team, knows all about good thoughts as
he enjoys going to the movies with his parents, playing on the computer
or video games, and listening to his iPod.
"Those are the things that
make me the happiest," he said.
Parker's Purpose had already
raised thousands of dollars prior to Friday.
Ruettiger encouraged people
to dream, believe and never quit. Inks didn't need the reminder.
"It's very inspirational to
see all these people come together to help other people and me," Parker
said.
|
