Who We Serve

We represent those affected by environmental pathogenic illness. We collaborate with partners in medicine and academia, the health department, and local organizations and government to educate the public and prevent environmental illness. We advocate for effective policy and facilitate cultural changes to increase environmental safety. As individuals with a unique perspective, we offer resources, kindness, and hospital care packages for those who are currently battling or have battled these environmental pathogenic infections.

The Mission

We link arms with the individuals and families impacted by environmental pathogens and walk alongside them to overcome challenges and create a hopeful tomorrow through support, education, prevention, and advocacy.

 

 

Parents

In need of education and guidance.

Children & Patients

Children who have been admitted to the hospital for further workup and treatment due to pathogenic illness.

Legislative Change

We advocate for new policy changes to protect our children and prevent the spread of disease.

Medical Studies

Using data from each individual case study we are able to make progress in treatment algorithms.

The Public

We push to create safer environments (agritourism businesses, petting zoos, farms, lakes, creeks, etc) and inform and educate the public on this harmful bacteria.

Hospitals

Provide balloons and care packages to children who are hospitalized as well as support parents during their child’s hospitalization.

Message From Our Founder

Welcome to Parker's Promise

My name is Morgan Stine, and I am Parker’s mom.  In June 2022, seven-year- old Parker was hospitalized for eight days battling the horrific effects of an STEC infection (Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli) from the deadly bacteria E.coli 0157:H7. He was part of a farm camp outbreak. Parker and other children attended a week-long camp at a local farm in Tennessee. One of their jobs was taking care of baby goats. As a result, fourteen people became ill and a precious two-year-old boy, Baylor Fillhouer, died. 

After Baylor’s death, I knew that I had to do something to create change. I never wanted this to happen again to other children and their families, but I wasn’t sure how or where to start.   Another STEC outbreak occurred in July of 2023 from a local Tennessee creek. This is when I realized the best route to support families with hospitalized children, to educate the public and agricultural businesses, and to advocate for policy change was to create a nonprofit organization.  I am first and foremost a mother to three children, wife to a firefighter, and a full-time Physician Assistant. I knew I could not do this alone.  Our community of friends and family have stepped up to help create Parker’s Promise, and for this I am grateful.

You may be here because:

* your child has been injured by a bacterial infection after exposure to animals or contaminated water

*  you want education on how to keep your family safe

*  you think you or your child has a harmful, bacterial illness

*  you want resources for local agricultural businesses / farms / pumpkin patches / petting zoos

*  you want information on animal or water safety

*  you’re thinking of having a petting zoo at your preschool or child’s birthday party

*  you are interested in helping our cause

This website is here to help YOU.  Parker’s Promise is a unique website and nothing like it currently exists.  There is a community of people in our Parker’s Promise “family” that wants to help you. If your child has been ill with bacterial illness like Shiga toxin-producing E. coli from an environmental source like animals or water, then you know how horrific this illness can be.  Please know that many people, especially adults, will do okay with these illnesses.  They may experience a few days of fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, but it is self-limiting. However, children, and especially children younger than five years old, can develop severe and detrimental complications. Five to ten percent of children who have an STEC infection go on to develop a rare disease called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). They can suffer permanent and irreversible changes such as chronic kidney damage and disease, hypertension, seizures, stroke, global brain damage from encephalopathy, cardiac arrest, and death.  

If your child became ill, finding a diagnosis for your child was probably not straightforward or easy. Often, I hear stories of parents being told their child’s illness is likely viral, parents are often told to go home, continue to hydrate, and their child will improve… however many decline instead. After multiple urgent care visits, pediatrician office visits, ER visits, transfers to other hospitals, finally a diagnosis is made. Parents find they are the ones who need to advocate for their child within the medical community. I want to thank parents for standing up for your child. You do know your child best.  Parker’s Promise was created to represent these parents. We will rise up and make change.  

You will find answers to your questions and helpful information explaining terms that are likely confusing at this time.  You will find pamphlets, brochures, and informational packets that you can take to local agricultural businesses, farms, schools, petting zoos, churches, and other public groups to educate the public.  This is also a place of camaraderie where encourage you to share your personal battle with these illnesses and with the goal of preventing others from having the same experience.

Parker’s Promise is whole heartedly dedicated to helping you. Many environmental bacterial illnesses are completely preventable. With your support, we can prevent these pathogens from poisoning and killing our children.

Be the light. Be the change.

Sincerely,

Morgan and Paul Stine

Meet our Amazing Team!

Our board is made up of individuals from various backgrounds with each of us bringing a unique perspective to the table. We are passionate about our mission and our work to serve our community. Many of us have had personal experience with these horrific infections.

Morgan Stine

Morgan Stine

President + Founder

Paul Stine

Paul Stine

Co-founder and Executive Administrator

Mary McGonigle-Martin

Mary McGonigle-Martin

Vice President and Director of Education and Policy Change

Ashley Heiselt

Ashley Heiselt

Treasurer

Genevieve Zenker

Genevieve Zenker

Secretary

Rachel Black

Rachel Black

Care Package Coordinator

Heather Scott

Heather Scott

Fundraising + Event Manager

DeeDee Baker

DeeDee Baker

Compassion Leader

 Yvonne Hughes

Yvonne Hughes

Hospital Care Coordinator

Chelsea Bryne

Chelsea Bryne

Care Package Distributor + Social Media

Kendra White

Kendra White

Digital Media

Cate Marino

Cate Marino

Communications

Lauren Gray

Lauren Gray

Project Manager

Lisa Gelfand

Lisa Gelfand

OTR/L

Kenneth D Swantek

Kenneth D Swantek

PT, DPT

Advocates

Advocates each have a story to tell. They are our parents and family members of children who have suffered from these horrific illnesses and have seen firsthand the ups and downs, the rollercoaster, of these diseases. They have kindly shared their story with us and you and work to advocate for change to prevent future illness.

Andrea Underwood

Andrea Underwood

Summer Pacheco

Summer Pacheco

Deirdre Hefflin

Deirdre Hefflin

Emily Berkley

Emily Berkley

Brenna & John Wood

Brenna & John Wood

Susan & Glenn Henry

Susan & Glenn Henry

Emily Richards

Emily Richards

April Hutchens

April Hutchens

Connie Edwards

Connie Edwards

Kyle & Chelsea Asbury

Kyle & Chelsea Asbury

Jessica Howard

Jessica Howard

Jessica & Al Gaudette

Jessica & Al Gaudette

Cassie Goosey

Cassie Goosey

Jeremiah & Rachael Messerer

Jeremiah & Rachael Messerer

Brenda Lind

Brenda Lind

Amanda Shotts

Amanda Shotts

Katy & Will Little

Katy & Will Little

Karen Krueger

Karen Krueger

Carey Miller

Carey Miller

Gina D'Andraia

Gina D'Andraia

Kaitlyn Slover

Kaitlyn Slover

Joey & Victoria Smith

Joey & Victoria Smith

Justin & Emily Logan

Justin & Emily Logan

Kayla Dunham

Kayla Dunham

Gina Gipson

Gina Gipson

Amanda Robert

Amanda Robert

Brittany O'Day

Brittany O'Day

Judy Inglett

Judy Inglett

Genevieve Zenker

Genevieve Zenker

Breanna Zotto

Breanna Zotto

Anndwyn Hendricks

Anndwyn Hendricks

 Cally Netterville

Cally Netterville

Ashley Brutus

Ashley Brutus

Amber and Chris George

Amber and Chris George

Stephanie & Jonathan Long

Stephanie & Jonathan Long

Kirstie Damos

Kirstie Damos

Monica Alderman

Monica Alderman

Stacey Luebrecht

Stacey Luebrecht

Christy Smith

Christy Smith

Emily Marris

Emily Marris

Nate Hiner

Nate Hiner

Jen Hiner

Jen Hiner

Nicole Hamilton

Nicole Hamilton

Tyler & Cassie Hughes

Tyler & Cassie Hughes

Denise Mooney

Denise Mooney

Rachelle Altena

Rachelle Altena

Stephanie Rogers

Stephanie Rogers

Skylar Felt

Skylar Felt

Kelsey Ross

Kelsey Ross

Melonie Price

Melonie Price

Rae Hagen

Rae Hagen

Ambassadors

Our Parker's Promise Ambassadors act as representatives for their specific state and or county. They serve as a point of contact to bridge the gaps in education across the world.

Niti Patel

Niti Patel

India

Regina DaCunha

Regina DaCunha

Brazil

Romy Billman

Romy Billman

Germany

Kelly Finger

Kelly Finger

Australia

Mahini Sayin

Mahini Sayin

Hawaii

Cate Marino

Cate Marino

Illinois

Katie Tyler

Katie Tyler

Nevada

Debbie Dill

Debbie Dill

Idaho

Jessica Howard

Jessica Howard

Tennessee

Amanda Robert

Amanda Robert

Pennsylvania

Kirsten Leal

Kirsten Leal

Florida

Jamie Emmons

Jamie Emmons

Colorado

Megan Parks

Megan Parks

Montana

Rachael James

Rachael James

Texas

Tina Ervin

Tina Ervin

Texas

David Zolezzi

David Zolezzi

Texas

Gina D'Andraia

Gina D'Andraia

New York

Gina Woodworth

Gina Woodworth

California

Denise Mooney

Denise Mooney

Virginia

Andrea Underwood

Andrea Underwood

Alabama

Genevieve Zenker

Genevieve Zenker

Tennessee

Brenna & John Wood

Brenna & John Wood

Louisiana

 Cally Netterville

Cally Netterville

Louisiana

Brittany O'Day

Brittany O'Day

South Dakota

Jessica & Al Gaudette

Jessica & Al Gaudette

Virginia

Justin & Emily Logan

Justin & Emily Logan

Missouri

Skylar Felt

Skylar Felt

Kansas

Anndwyn Hendricks

Anndwyn Hendricks

Pennsylvania

Kelsey Ross

Kelsey Ross

Missouri

Gina Gipson

Gina Gipson

Missouri

Karen Krueger

Karen Krueger

Wisconsin

Lauren Vento

Lauren Vento

Texas

Chrissy Paik

Chrissy Paik

California

Melonie Price

Melonie Price

Florida

Candi Borck

Candi Borck

Tennessee

Stacey Luebrecht

Stacey Luebrecht

Missouri

April Hutchens

April Hutchens

Georgia

Rae Hagen

Rae Hagen

Texas

Tyler and Cassie

Tyler and Cassie

Nebraska

Carey Miller

Carey Miller

North Carolina

Kelly Birge

Kelly Birge

Kentucky

Bill and Kelly Little

Bill and Kelly Little

Tennessee

Jeremiah & Rachael Messerer

Jeremiah & Rachael Messerer

Florida

How to Get Involved

Become an Advocate

Advocates each have a story to tell. They are our parents and family members of children who have suffered from these horrific illnesses and have seen firsthand the ups and downs, the rollercoaster, of these diseases. They have kindly shared their stories and work to advocate for change to prevent future illness.

Become an Ambassador

Our Parker's Promise Ambassadors act as representatives for their specific state and country. They serve as a point of contact to bridge the gaps in education across the world.

Host a Toy Donation Box

Choose to be a donation location agreeing long-term to 1 year, or more short term like 1-3 months.

Become a Sponsor

Partner with Parker’s Promise by providing your business sponsorship. Make a donation and have your logo featured on our website and potentially in future media.

Donate

Please visit our Donate page to learn your many options. It is through your donations that Parker’s Promise has been able to help so many children and families. 

 

Contact Congress

Reach out to your local congress members to request policy change regarding agritourism business protection laws and demand prioritization of our children's lives and well-being.

Who we have impacted

Cyndee Adkins

"Parker's Promise helped calm my fears in the middle of the storm and gave me guidance when I didn’t know what to do next. They shared things to watch for, ways to support his healing, and most importantly, they gave me peace when everything felt uncertain. I am so grateful this organization exists for families going through something like this. No parent should have to walk through something so terrifying alone, and because of Parker’s Promise, we didn’t have to."

Arica Evridge

"I just want to say how thankful I am for Parker's Promise. They have been so nice to my family and me. They helped me along the way. They would tell me what was going to happen before it happened and what to expect. Just have been Angels! I honestly don't know if I would have gotten through without them. I will be forever grateful to them. They sent my daughter balloons and a care package, and then tonight they sent us groceries at the hospital. I can never thank them enough!"

Kadin Gilboy

"My sweet baby! I appreciate Parker's Promise so much! For every question answered, advice given, prayer spoken, check up on us, and just words of encouragement/praise during the process. They have helped me through this whole situation and have shown us so much love!"

Summer Pacheco

"I’m in tears as a write this. Whenever I posted that Jeremiah had Shiga Toxin Ecoli, Morgan Stine reached out to me, her son was one of the 14 that caught it from lucky Ladd farms last year, she immediately called and told me everything to expect and the to do and not to dos. We’ve been in contact since and today her and her kids brought Jeremiah and I all of these things that were also donated by 3 other families. Jeremiah loves every bit of it, and all he’s asked for since he got here was some goldfish. The look on his face when he seen everything was absolutely priceless. God has blessed us."

Kirsten Leal

"My good friend from LMU started Parker’s Promise, a nonprofit to help those affected with Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) and Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). My niece had a strain of this and was hospitalized. I reached out to Morgan and she was able to help out immediately. Avery made a quick recovery with Morgan’s help. Thank goodness for Parker’s Promise"

Kelly Little

"I know personally what their care packages did for our little boys during Beckham’s sickness. Not to mention what an advocate she was to our whole family."

 

 

Danielle Woll

"Parker's Promise has been there to support us and other families through our STEC HUS illness. They have messaged, called, guided and supported our family. I can’t thank them enough for everything."

Brittany O'Day

"Hattie had a big surprise this morning from Parker's Promise. I know God had his hand in connecting us together and supporting us through all this. Their organization spreads awareness of the E. coli Shiga Toxin infection and HUS. They have checked in on how Hattie is doing daily and answers my endless questions. For anyone that wants to understand this infection more, please check out their page. They are truly amazing."

Kim Brown

"Parker's Promise had these balloons sent to Bentley which made his day!"

Regina Underwood

"Thank you so much to Parker's Promise for sending the girls each a care package. They absolutely love the goodies and it definitely lifts the spirits of being in the hospital and continued doctors visits and lab work. Hopefully soon we can get some normalcy back."

Joey Smith

"We want to send a huge Thank You out to Parker's Promise for the wonderful care package that was sent to Blake. He is continuing to improve everyday and was super excited to receive this. Look at that smile. Little sister wanted to be in the picture."

Kaitlyn Slover

Dear Parker's Promise,
We cannot thank you enough for all the support and prayers while Keagan was in the hospital. We are forever grateful for the constant check-ins, help, question answering, and everything in between. HUS is a horrible thing but we are so glad Chelsea put you in our lives. Keagan is still playing with her unicorn stuffy as well as all the other sweet gifts. Keagan continues to improve and we are so thankful!

Ashley Walters

Huge shoutout to Parker's Promise for being there every step of the way for my daughter and I the past two weeks! I seriously could not have fought so hard for her without your help! Parker’s Promise also sent two balloon surprises for Ramona while she was in hospital and had countless others praying. You were definitely sent by God on assignment! Thank you will never be enough.
“For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.”
Psalm 91:11

Katy Little

"Welcome to Parker's Promise!!

And thank you, Morgan Stine for all you do for EVERYONE affected by this awful illness. It truly affects the whole family. You have saved more than just lives, you have been family's rock through their battles. God has lead you to your calling and more. Thankful to have connected with you and your family."