Meet Parker
2026 Scholar
Brain Tumor Survivor
Thanks to a generous survivorship program grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels, twenty-three survivors were welcomed into the 2026 Children’s Cancer Cause College Scholars Program, representing both organizations’ strong investment in survivors and belief in their bright futures.
Each of these students receive a financial scholarship to help with academic expenses, and each Scholar commits to undertaking a volunteer project of their choosing related to childhood cancer advocacy.
“While this road has been difficult, navigating health challenges has ultimately taught me resilience and determination.”
Parker was just five years old when his mom noticed something concerning on her Mother’s Day card: the kindergartener’s normally precise signature had changed into an uneven scrawl.
He had also recently been complaining of headaches and vision difficulties. Parker was diagnosed with a pilocytic astrocytoma brain tumor later that day.
“Since that diagnosis, my childhood has been defined by extensive medical interventions,” he told us, citing 14 brain surgeries, more than two years of chemo and targeted therapy, and over 50 brain MRIs.
“In addition to treating the tumor itself, I have navigated complex recovery challenges, including surviving a stroke and living with bilateral VP shunts.”
While volunteering as a care extender at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Parker was inspired by opportunities to connect with and support patients who are going through challenging medical situations, using his own experience to help provide support and encouragement.
He’s a student at Moorpark College and is pursuing a career in nursing.
“I hope I can make a difference in my future patients’ lives, just like the nurses who have made an impact on mine.”
Parker’s Advocacy Project
During his scholarship year, Parker plans to step up his cancer advocacy and legislative engagement, working with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN) in California and joining our Kids Action Network to engage federally.
“As a survivor of 19 surgeries and as a nursing student, I possess a unique dual perspective,” he told us. “I plan to use my personal story to humanize healthcare statistics for legislators and fight for patients on a macro level.”
“My primary objective is to amplify the patient voice in legislative decisions, specifically advocating for increased research funding and policies that address health disparities.”
