Parker Ford, Chase Connor, and Aidan Brown have known each other since they were seven years old. The trio became friends at The Benjamin School in second grade and hit it off, creating a bond that has lasted as they’ve grown up and gone their separate ways to different schools. Over the last six months, these longtime friends have banded back together–this time, on a mission and for a cause.

In the fall of 2024, Parker received a daunting diagnosis: Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The journey began on August 19th when Parker told his mom about a lump under his left armpit after returning home from school. What started as a routine visit to the pediatrician quickly escalated into a series of hospital stays and tests. By September 3rd, Parker found himself being airlifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. “It was my birthday week,” Parker remembers. “I had a PET scan done, and that’s when I found out. It was cancer.”

The news hit the community hard, especially Parker’s closest friends. When Aidan learned about the diagnosis, he immediately drove to Miami to visit Parker, determined to find a way to help. Meanwhile, Chase, a long-time resident of Admiral’s Cove, joined forces with Aidan to make a difference. Together, they connected with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and became part of the Student Visionaries program, leading a team of fundraisers in south Florida.

Their team, aptly named the Wahoo Warriors in honor of Parker’s love for fishing, focuses specifically on patient support – one of LLS’s three pillars alongside advocacy and research. “Brotherhood runs deep,” explains Dr. Jeanmarie Connor, Chase’s mother. “The boys chose patient support because they felt it was the best way they could help patients like their best buddy, Parker.”

From January 16 to March 8, the Wahoo Warriors are competing against other teams in south Florida to raise funds, with an ambitious goal of $150,000. The community has rallied behind their cause, with several events planned including a special gathering at Tiki 52 on February 8 and a fishing tournament being organized by Parker’s brother, Tate, for the end of May.

Throughout this challenging journey, Parker has received unwavering support from his family. His father and brother, Rick and Tate, shaved their heads in solidarity when Parker lost his hair. His sister Annabelle was so moved by his experience that she changed her career path from law to pediatric oncology. Most notably, his mother Tiffany has remained by his side through every treatment and hospital stay.

The treatment process has been intense. Each 22-day chemotherapy cycle begins with a week at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, followed by monitoring and potential transfusions at St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital in West Palm Beach. The physical toll has been significant – Parker lost 40 pounds in just 37 days of chemotherapy and has faced serious complications, including a frightening allergic reaction to one of his medications.

Despite these challenges, the care team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has been exceptional. “The oncology nurses on that sixth tower are incredible,” Tiffany shares. “They just love Parker and have taken such beautiful care of him. They are the pulse of that floor.”

Chase and Aidan’s fundraising efforts are particularly focused on helping families manage the financial strain of cancer treatment. Many families struggle with basic needs, like transportation costs and healthy meal options during extended hospital stays. Their goal is to provide support through gas cards and meal delivery services, helping families stay together during treatment.

Looking ahead, Parker’s prognosis is promising, with his final PET scan scheduled for February 24. He’s already planning ways to give back to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and support other pediatric oncology patients once he completes his treatment. Through it all, the Ford family has found strength in their faith and the overwhelming support of their community.

For those wishing to support the Wahoo Warriors’ mission, donations can be made through their webpage or by scanning the QR code provided. Every contribution helps support families facing similar challenges, ensuring they can focus on what matters most — healing together.