The Parker Strong Foundation
Get to Know Us
We are the Colgan Family! Our foundation was established in honor of our oldest son, Parker, who was born with Alagille Syndrome-a rare genetic disorder that has required him to undergo three open-heart surgeries, a liver transplant, and continuous specialized care. While Parker continues to fight bravely with a smile on his face, we've made it our mission to support other children and families facing similar medical battles.
Although Parker is a very busy boy balancing school, sports, and time with friends and family, he is deeply passionate about helping children at his home hospital, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York. Having experienced his own medical journey, Parker is inspired to support other children as they battle theirs—bringing comfort, encouragement, and hope to those who need it most.
Parker's Story
Parker was born in September 2020, and just two weeks later, he underwent his first open-heart surgery—marking the beginning of a complex and courageous medical journey.
During pregnancy, Parker was diagnosed through amniocentesis with a rare genetic condition called Alagille syndrome, which can affect major parts of the body including the heart, liver, kidneys, eyes, face, and spine.
In addition to Alagille syndrome, Parker was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot with an absent pulmonary valve, acute kidney disease, and cholestatic liver disease. These conditions required extensive medical care and ultimately led to a liver transplant during his second year of life, lovingly donated by his mother.
Parker spent the first 92 days of his life in the NICU at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York, where he underwent two open-heart surgeries during that stay alone. In total, Parker has endured three open-heart surgeries, along with his life-saving liver transplant.
Although his journey isn't over and despite the many challenges he has faced, Parker continues to show remarkable strength, resilience, and joy. His journey has inspired a deep commitment to helping other children and families navigating similar medical paths, and his story stands as a testament to courage, love, and hope.
Our Mission
After our own medical journey with our son, Parker, we are dedicated to helping children with Alagille Syndrome, Congenital Heart Disease, and Liver Disease navigate their medical journey with strength, comfort, and hope. By offering resources and moments of relief during difficult times, we aim to ease the burden on children and their families and remind them they are never alone. Every step of the journey matters, and even small acts of care can make a meaningful difference.
What We Do
Our nonprofit is dedicated to bringing comfort and joy to children receiving inpatient care by providing functional toys that not only encourage play, creativity, and a sense of normalcy during hospital stays, but also beneficial to their healing. We also support families by offering gift cards to help with everyday needs like meals, travel, and essentials—making long days and unexpected stays a little more comfortable. Through these small but meaningful gestures, we aim to ease stress, lift spirits, and remind families that they are supported during a challenging time. Please click on our Amazon Wishlist if you would like to help contribute!
Help Make a Difference
Please consider making a donation to our cause. Your generosity makes a significant impact in helping others, and we truly appreciate your involvement. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need.
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