IRS FORM 990 - FISCAL YEAR 2022
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Our StoryA Promise Made in
A Promise Made in
a Hospital Hallway
Parker Project was born from a father's grief — and his determination that no family would face what his did, alone.
Meet Our Star of Hope
Angelus — Our Celestial Companion
Angelus is a little explorer of the stars who travels across the universe bringing light, hope, and companionship to those who need it most. From his celestial ship, he observes thousands of worlds, but his favorite mission is visiting Earth to accompany children facing great challenges and the families walking alongside them.
With a suit full of colors, symbols of courage, and dreams waiting to happen, Angelus reminds every child that they are never alone: When fear appears, he lights the way. When sadness arrives, he shares a new adventure. And when strength seems to fade, he helps uncover the light that has always existed within them.
Because for Angelus, every child is a unique star capable of shining even in the darkest nights.
"Every child is a unique star capable of shining even in the darkest nights."
Our Story
Parker Angelus Diaz
October 5, 2000 – March 13, 2012
Parker Angelus Diaz was born on October 5, 2000, in West Covina, California. He was lovingly raised by his devoted father, Daniel Diaz, and his grandparents, Jose and Gloria Diaz. Parker was a joyful, compassionate child — bilingual in Spanish and English, with a love for martial arts and video games. His warmth and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
In 2010, Parker began experiencing pain in his legs, which his family initially believed were "growing pains." Everything changed on February 9, 2011. After two weeks at Methodist Children's Hospital and a series of thorough tests, doctors discovered a tumor the size of an orange on his adrenal gland. Parker was diagnosed with Adrenal Carcinoma — a rare and aggressive cancer, especially in children.
Parker underwent surgery and began an intensive chemotherapy regimen. For a brief time, there was hope — he began to feel better. During rare moments when chemotherapy side effects subsided, he'd enjoy simple joys like shopping at Target. His family came to treasure those quiet, joyful moments.
After 13 months of courageous battle — including multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation — Parker passed away on March 13, 2012.
A decade later, Dan Diaz reflected on his son's strength and on the families he had met in hospital hallways: parents who couldn't afford to miss work, mothers and fathers who left their sick child overnight alone because they couldn't pay for childcare for siblings at home, families riding public transportation for hours just to reach treatment. These reflections gave birth to Parker Project.
Parker Angelus Diaz
Our Guiding Star
"Parker never lost his spirit. During rare moments when chemotherapy side effects subsided, he'd enjoy simple joys like shopping at Target. His family treasured those quiet, joyful moments."
13
Months of courage
∞
His legacy lives on
"I started Parker Project so no family has to face what we did alone."
— Dan Diaz, Founder
Our Philosophy
We believe no family should face bankruptcy while fighting for their child's life.
Cancer treatment is an all-consuming battle that demands total focus. When financial stress compounds the trauma, families are forced to make impossible choices — between staying at the hospital or going to work, between medication and groceries. Parker Project removes that impossible choice.
Our Mission
Alleviate the financial burden so families can focus on what matters most — their child's life.
Childhood cancer is a medical battle. It shouldn't also be a financial one. Parker Project ensures families can be present for every hospital visit, every treatment, every quiet moment — without the weight of financial ruin.
Our Values
What guides us
01
Compassion
We see families as whole people — not case numbers. Every interaction is guided by empathy and respect.
02
Transparency
We publish our financials openly because trust must be earned.
03
Dignity
Families deserve support without shame. We deliver assistance privately, swiftly, and with grace.
04
Impact
We measure success in families kept together, children who could focus on healing, and futures protected.
Meet the Founder
Dan Diaz
Dan Diaz founded Parker Project in honor of his son Parker Angelus, who passed away from Adrenal Carcinoma on March 13, 2012. After 13 months walking the hospital hallways alongside his son, Dan witnessed firsthand the invisible financial crisis that runs parallel to every childhood cancer diagnosis.
A decade after Parker's passing, Dan turned his grief into action — creating an organization that provides the financial lifeline he wished had existed for his own family. He leads Parker Project with deep empathy, personal accountability, and a father's fierce love.
"I started Parker Project so no family has to face what we did alone."
"Dan is very personable and their mission is incredible."
— Jori Niemann, Parker Project family