When Westchester residents Lindsey and Zach Bainter welcomed their first son, Parker, into the world, they were overjoyed, especially since Lindsey had miscarried previously. At the height of COVID-19, Parker arrived at 38 weeks, and was just over four pounds when he was born. The Bainters quickly found themselves on a journey filled with hospital stays, medical procedures, and difficult diagnoses. At just a few months old, doctors discovered Parker was one of only 50 known cases in the world with a rare genetic disorder that prevented his body from properly expelling carbon dioxide, among many other things. There was no cure.
Despite the constant machines, hospital visits, and uncertainty, the Bainters focused on giving Parker as much love, joy, and life experience as possible during his five-and-a-half months on earth. They took him on walks through their Westchester neighborhood, dressed him up for silly family photo shoots that included their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and even brought him to the beach so he could see the ocean. But it was a sweet melody that Parker seemed to enjoy most of all.
“Music brought a smile to Parker’s face like nothing else,” says Zach wistfully. “A music therapy intern named Hayley at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital even wrote Parker his own song.”
The song, a version of “You Are My Sunshine” with lyrics customized for Parker, plays over a video on the Parker Foundation website. It’s a memory the Bainters will cherish forever.
Creating the Parker H. Bainter Foundation
When Parker passed, Lindsey and Zach knew they wanted to keep his memory alive in a way that would help others. Though they were extremely lucky to be at Parker’s side the whole time he was in the hospital, not all parents have that luxury. They witnessed firsthand how many parents of children in the PICU struggled, not just emotionally, but financially. Some families couldn’t afford the daily parking fees (up to $21 a day), the cost of meals, or childcare for siblings at home, which meant many sick babies spent long stretches of time alone in their hospital rooms. The nurses spend as much time as possible with the babies, but they’re busy and there can be long gaps.
That heartbreaking reality inspired the Bainters to create the Parker H. Bainter Foundation, which provides direct financial grants to families with children in the PICU, helping them stay by their children’s side. The foundation also funds joy-filled initiatives like balloon deliveries, stuffed animal donations all over the country, and “Play It Parker”: a music therapy program that supports interns to write songs and provides them with instruments. Some recordings even preserve the sound of a child’s heartbeat.
“For us, it’s about honoring Parker in a way where he’s still helping other people,” says Lindsey. “Five-and-a-half months isn’t a lot of time, but his legacy continues through the lives he touches.”
Zach chimes in, saying, “When we send a check to a family or hear about a parent who was able to stay at the hospital because of Parker’s foundation, it feels like our son is still doing good in the world. That’s the best way we know to keep his memory alive.”
Parkerpalooza: A Celebration of Life
Each year on Parker’s birthday, the Bainters host Parkerpalooza, a family-friendly fundraiser that began as a backyard celebration of Parker’s short but meaningful life. Now in its fourth year, the event has grown into a joyful neighborhood tradition. This year’s Parkerpalooza, taking place on September 6, will feature a petting zoo, bounce house, face painter, fair foods and a silent auction. At last year’s event, a raffle for an iPad turned out to be very successful.
“It started as a way for us to celebrate Parker, but it’s become a chance for kids in our community to grow up saying his name and carrying on his legacy,” Lindsey says. “At the same time, it raises funds to support families who need it most.”
The Bainters are now a thriving family of three with the addition of Henry, now 2. Henry has also become part of the tradition. He helps pick out the cupcakes he’s certain Parker would have liked, choosing the color and flavor before blowing out the candles in his big brother’s honor.
Over the years, Parkerpalooza has grown from a small gathering of friends into an event that draws families from across Westchester but still maintains a grassroots vibe. The petting zoo will be in the Bainters’ front yard, the auction table is their kitchen island and their back yard is set up as a food station, complete with a bar. For them, it’s a heartening reminder that Parker’s story continues to ripple outward, sparking generosity and connection. Their long-term vision is to continue to expand the foundation’s reach across the U.S., ensuring that no family ever has to choose between being with their child in the hospital and paying their bills.
The fundraising goal for this year’s event is $20,000, with all proceeds going toward financial grants and foundation programs.
The Ever-Supportive Westchester Community
While COVID kept the Bainters isolated during Parker’s short life, the Westchester community has come out in full force in the years since. Neighbors who once dropped off meals on the Bainters’ doorstep are now helping spread the word about the foundation. Local business owners have stepped forward with donations for the silent auction, including gift certificates from local eateries like Truxton’s and Tomat, and members of the LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce have offered connections and support.
Local real estate agents, Robin Zacha and Susan Marozik, have also rallied behind the Bainters, introducing them to local businesses and ensuring Parker’s story is carried throughout the neighborhood.
“We feel so lucky to be part of this community,” says Zach. “We haven’t had to say no to a single family who’s reached out to us for help, and that’s only possible because of the support around us.”
How to Help
The Bainters encourage anyone who wants to support their mission to attend Parkerpalooza, donate items for the silent auction, or contribute directly through the foundation’s website.
“Parker may not be here physically, but through this work, he’s still spreading joy,” says Lindsey. “And that’s what we want most–that people don’t forget him, and that his short life continues to make a difference.”
To learn more or to donate, visit parkerhbainterfoundation.org.