Hillsborough Family Seeks Help After Mom's Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

HILSBOROUGH, NJ — The Parker family is asking the community for help after their mother was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer.

The family has been part of the Hillsborough community for more than 30 years.

"My parents, Wallace and Deborah Parker, raised four children here — Jessica, Robert, Jacquelynn, and myself — and we are proud to have grown up in such a close-knit town," said Julieyanna, who started a GoFundMe fundraising site for her parents.

All four of the Parkers' children swam competitively for Hillsborough High School, where they were fortunate to contribute to championship titles and set records that still mean so much to them today.

"This community has shaped who we are, which is why I’m reaching out now during an incredibly difficult time for our family," said Julieyanna to Patch.

Deborah Parker was diagnosed in January 2025, turning her family's life upside down.

"The diagnosis was sudden and devastating, but over the past year, she has fought with incredible strength, resilience, and optimism despite painful treatments and numerous complications," said Julieyanna.

The diagnosis led to nearly two months in the hospital because of severe complications tied to the cancer.

The disease was later found to have spread to the pancreas and liver. This created additional medical problems, including a bile duct blockage that required emergency surgery and the placement of a port.

Chemotherapy began soon after.

"While we’re grateful for the chance to fight, chemo has brought its own set of painful and exhausting symptoms that have deeply impacted her quality of life," said Julieyanna.

Since starting treatment, Deborah has lost more than 70 pounds and is struggling to maintain the strength she needs to keep going.

Additionally, another enlarged abdominal lymph node developed shortly after chemotherapy started and has not responded to treatment.

The care team then tried radiation therapy to try to control it. Deborah was later diagnosed with a perforated gallbladder, which was described as a serious and life-threatening condition.

"Unfortunately, her condition has recently worsened, and she has now been placed in hospice care," said Julieyanna.

The financial strain has added to the family's hardship.

Wallace lost his job during the pandemic and has been supporting Deborah emotionally and physically.

Both parents are now living on Social Security, and their limited income does not cover copays and out-of-pocket costs tied to doctor visits, medications, home care, and extended hospital stays.

"The financial burden has become overwhelming," said Julieyanna.

Any donations would go toward mounting medical expenses.

"We are hopeful that highlighting her journey could not only help ease some of the financial strain, but also lift her spirits by showing her the strength and support of the community she has been a part of for so long," said Julieyanna.

For more information or to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-momma-parkers-battle-with-stage-4-cancer.

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