Parker Lyons
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Parker Lyons takes full advantage of San Diego’s pleasant year-round temperatures.
On most days, he can be found outdoors — running, biking, swimming, golfing and spending time with his dog. When Parker’s not staying physically active, he’s busy working as a financial analyst or tinkering with side projects like app development as a self-described “tech nerd.”
Things haven’t always looked so sunny for Parker, however. Three years ago, he was fighting for his life.
In high school Parker was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. He was able to manage the chronic condition for years before a flare-up in 2021.
Parker was traveling to attend a football game in Las Vegas with a friend when he became so ill that he couldn’t leave his hotel room. Parker was in no condition to fly home. He was taken to a local hospital, where he spent the next three weeks as his situation grew dire. Despite his doctors’ best efforts, Parker quickly lost weight and strength.
“Parker’s condition was deteriorating rapidly,” says Henry Lyons, Parker’s father. Henry, who had built a patient relationship with Mayo Clinic, called for help for his son. Parker was then transferred by air to Rochester, Minnesota.
“With his admission to Mayo Clinic, we went from hopeless to hopeful,” Henry says. “We knew he was exactly where he needed to be to save his life.”
At Mayo Clinic, Parker underwent emergency surgery to remove most of his colon.
I was on the brink of death at 26 years old. Only Mayo Clinic could have dealt with the complexity of my situation.
— PARKER LYONS
“Because of my ulcerative colitis I had gotten an extremely rare fungal infection,” Parker says. “The infection had gotten worse to a point that it triggered a very rare, potentially fatal blood disorder.”
The surgery was successful, but Parker needed chemotherapy to eliminate the infection. After two months of treatments, tests and rehabilitation, Parker was finally able to go home.
“I was on the brink of death at 26 years old,” says Parker. “I needed an expert in every capacity ─ someone on the cancer side, the infectious disease side, the blood disorder side, and a team focused on my mental resiliency. Only Mayo Clinic could have dealt with the complexity of my situation.”
In honor of his son, Henry has made a gift supporting medical research and education at Mayo Clinic, ensuring that Mayo Clinic can continue to provide leading-edge care for complex cases like Parker’s. Mayo Clinic recognizes Henry as a Major Benefactor for his generosity.
“I am forever grateful to Mayo Clinic, and in addition to the joy I experience from Parker living a healthy life, I am hopeful that others can benefit from Parker’s case,” Henry says.
Parker is making the most of his restored health. He is training for a half Ironman Triathlon this summer, and he plans to complete a full Ironman by the end of 2025.
“It’s easy to stay inspired when you have my extreme perspective,” says Parker. “I have a ton of gratitude to be physically active. I’m honored. I’m here because of Mayo.”