Parker Pannell, a 13-year-old student at South Junior High in Boise, Idaho, is facing a serious health challenge as he slowly loses his eyesight. His vision began deteriorating suddenly, with blind spots appearing in his central vision just before Christmas. Despite this difficulty, the teen remains an active and creative student, although painting has become challenging due to his condition. Doctors are still unsure about the cause of his vision loss but are trying different treatments to help him.
In response to his situation, the Boise community rallied together to raise funds to send him on a dream trip to Washington D.C., and New York City. Parker, who has a deep passion for American history, expressed his desire to see iconic landmarks like the White House, the Statue of Liberty, and the U.S. Capitol before potentially losing his sight completely. Through generous donations from over 150 contributors, the community raised more than $14,000 to send the teen and his family on a trip of a lifetime.
Thanks to the support of the community, Parker and his family were able to take the trip, where he experienced the sights and sounds of the nation's capital and New York City. The teen’s mom expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of support, describing it as overwhelming and heartwarming. Although Parker's vision loss remains a challenge, the trip provided him with unforgettable memories and moments of joy during a difficult time in his life.
Source: KTVB