Honored Bereaved Families
Craven Family
Parker James was a people-loving, book-loving, silly six year old boy who was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved, especially his parents Adam and Heather.
In the Spring of 2020, Parker was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma after weeks of odd symptoms such as puffy eyes, discomfort when eating and lethargy.
The day after Parker’s 5th birthday, Parker began treatment for cancer. His treatment path was going well for several months, when in January of 2021, Parker’s parents received a devastating phone call that Parker had relapsed with another, more aggressive, pediatric cancer - Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
This new diagnosis required a shift in heavier chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. The journey post transpart was very tough, but a success and on July 30, 2021 Parker was healthy enough to return home, celebrate the end of his treatment, and start living like a typical six year old boy.
Then, in early October, another devastating phone call made notice that Parker’s cancer had returned. With a weakened body that had already received so much chemotherapy, the options were very limited, and Parker’s family focused on comfort and keeping the cancer at bay long enough for time to make memories.
79 days later, on December 23, 2021, Parker was called home to heaven.
We are honored to have Adam and Heather share their beautiful Parker and continue to shine his joyful spirit throughout our community as a reminder to the power of pure love.
Hernandez Family
Mía Isabella Hernandez was a silly, happy, active two year old with an infectious laugh. She spent her physical days with her parents, Marilynn and Luis, dancing, painting, blowing bubbles, reading, and going to the park.
At just two years old, Mía was diagnosed with an aggressive pediatric cancer called Wilms Tumor, Stage 4.
Mía’s parents had requested imaging due to her enlarging abdomen, and were then immediately admitted and thrust into the world of pediatric cancer. Days later, Mía had surgery to place a port and biopsy her liver to see if Mía’s primary tumor was malignant. During this initial surgery sweet Mía hemorrhaged and in turn required a quick response with another surgery to save her life.
These initial traumatic experiences were the beginning to an eight month long battle. Mía endured various surgeries, rounds of chemo, radiation, stem cell harvest and other invasive procedures. All of this amidst COVID, created so many other obstacles for the family, and Mía fought incredibly hard for her life.
Mía defied so many odds and even the day before her passing, despite loads of drugs that could’ve completely sedated her, she asked to be carried to dance one more time.
Mía’s love and strength live with Marilynn and Luis forever, and we feel incredible gratitude to be able to honor Mía at Farm to Fork this year, and see her smiling face reflected through her incredible parents.
Sybert Family
Luke “The Brave” Sybert was a bright shining light to his community, and family, showcased through his smile, laugh, and strength. Luke enjoyed spending time with his family, Michelle, Trevor and sister Kya, as well as playing video games and running.
In December 2014, Luke was diagnosed with a rare pediatric bone cancer called Osteosarcoma after having a persistent nose bleed.
Luke’s treatment required surgery and ten months of chemotherapy with consistent hospital visits, but the result was beating cancer, and being 3.5 years cancer-free.
In 2019, after complaining of leg pain, the Sybert Family learned that Luke’s cancer had returned, and this time with more complications including a rare fungal function requiring treatment to be stopped.
Luke lived past the life-expectancy of 2-3 months, but eventually the cancer took Luke’s life on January 11, 2020.
Luke continues on with his family as a consistent presence and reminder of compassion, purpose ,and hope - and we are honored to stand alongside the Sybert’s in this message.
Gill Family
Liam Singh Gill was a true family boy - always wanting to be with his siblings and parents. He loved to play outdoors, collect rocks, and snuggle while watching some of his favorite movies like Toy Story, Sing, or Monster’s Inc., and could always be seen carrying around his iPad in order to watch his favorite character, Blippi.
At just two years old, in late July 2019, after losing consciousness one Sunday afternoon, Liam was airlifted to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County where he was diagnosed with a Grade IV terminal brain tumor called Glioblastoma.
At diagnosis, Liam had to move through three brain surgeries, managing to remove around 99% of his tumor, and afterwards began chemotherapy. After two and a half months, Liam began having seizures and was brought back to the hospital to tragically learn that new tumors were forming and in a bid to ‘buy more time’ Liam endured intense radiation treatment.
By January 2020, Liam’s condition had deteriorated further, including more seizures, and an MRI scan showing that chemotherapy and radiation would be ineffective in combating the tumors. With the onset of COVID, all clinical trials and additional treatments became unavailable and only palliative chemotherapy was an option.
After his final MRI, showing spread throughout his brain and spine, Liam was given two weeks to live. On April 30, 2020, at 5:08AM, Liam passed away in his father’s arms, with his mother holding his legs, surrounded by his favorite oncologist and nurses.
Liam was, and still is in spirit, a true joy and light that shines through the community and his family. We stand with the Gill family in extending Liam’s light far, and wide.