High School Linebacker Literally Carries Family Through Tough Time
- Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:03am by
Scott Baker
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This is a post to take us out of the Christmas weekend. Deadspin sets the stage:
Sammy Parker is 8 years old and has cerebral palsy. He can’t talk or control his muscles. Until recently, his father Rick had to carry him upstairs to bed every night. Then Rick had an operation for his heart, and the Parkers needed help. Their doctor put them in touch with Malden (Mass.) Catholic School, where volunteering is emphasized to the kids.
Rudy Favard is 17, a linebacker and co-captain of Malden’s football team. But his most important job isn’t on the football field.
You probably see where this is going.
Four nights a week, he leaves his homework and makes the 10-minute drive to the Parker house. Around 8 p.m., he carries Sammy upstairs, chats a bit, hugs everybody, and heads home to finish his work.
“He’s indirectly saved my life,” said Rich.
The twenty minutes a day has created a lifetime connection. Rudy is like family to the Parker’s now – a ride for Sam, a relief for Rich, and for Sam’s twin brother, Ben, Rudy is a real hero.
“He’s helping out my brother, and my brother is, I just love him so much,” said Ben Parker.
Click the image below to watch the video:
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Comments (60)
Reagan was Right
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 2:13pmThe article did not mention that he is the son of African immigrants.
He is a honor student in school and has four scholarship offers.
Report Post »hemipuma
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 2:03pmFAITH HOPE and CHARITY
Report Post »Sammy and Rudy are true brothers in arms! May God bless both families!
Zcat
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 1:33pmWhat a great young man! You don’t find many young people let alone a guy that will take the time to show such kindness to those less fortunated in such away! God bless this man!
Report Post »Brae
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 1:20pmWe are looking at God’s handiwork. Beautiful, isn’t it?
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 2:53pmYes it is!
Report Post »Brae
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 1:19pmWe are looking at God’s handiwork. Beautiful isn’t it?
Report Post »Deyo_
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 12:51pmGreat news item! People helping people is where it should be. I‘d like to shake the young man’s hand.
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 12:47pmLook up the school on Google and send a personal message of thanks and kudos to Rudy and the principal.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 12:23pmwe definitely need MORE news stories and young Americans like this Rudy.
Report Post »wash1776
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 12:13pmGOD BLESS YOU, RUDY! May you always stay as kind as you are now and the Heavenly Father look out for you and that boy’s family. Very heartwarming to see such a young man being so caring.
Report Post »BuckwheatA2
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 11:53amWay to go Rudy! Americans helping each other without coercion or government involvement. The giving spirit of Americans will save this country and people all over the world.
Report Post »hucksqr
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 11:43amFaith, Hope and Charity. This young gentleman is a true blessing not to just this family, but to his entire community. What a great example for other people to look to. It was good to get up this morning and have this be the first story on the news I read after getting a fire started and the house warming up. I have been rather depressed lately, and really needed something like this.
Report Post »It’s amazing how God puts stuff like this in your life, right when you really need it. Stories like this are what gives me Hope that all is not lost.
jakartaman
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 11:42amRudy,
Report Post »Keep up the good works – If not rewarded in this life you surely will in the next.
I believe your kind heart will carry you places
Thanks
Does not God work in miraculous ways!
megaman
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 11:23amsuch a nice story
Report Post »joeliberty
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 11:19amWe can all agree on this! This is what makes America great! Not politicians! If we would all just take time to do what this young fellow did we would have a better country! In fact, the politicians hate this kind of stuff because it shows that the governments mandates to take care of everyone is illegitimate! We can do it without you! We take care of our older neighbor’s down the road by cutting wood for them and helping them when they are sick! We bake for them and take them things to show our kindness! This is America!
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 11:05amA great story to read about and my water is froze up so i can’t shower and go to Church so this was a blessing to read
Report Post »HughJidette
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 11:09amSLIMNRANGER, I am pretty sure GOD makes house-calls. Good News for all of us!
Report Post »HughJidette
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 11:04amI think life’s challenges are meant to fine-tune our character, and collectively uplift our spirits. The most gentle and innocent of souls seem to have the most profound and lasting effect on hearts and minds, and sometimes, in unexplainable ways, bring good people together in love and compassion. What appears to be a small act of kindness, echoes in the universe!
Kudos to this young man, and the school that promotes positive character growth and development!
Report Post »Mr. John Sauls
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:53amGod bless true Americas, like Rudy Favard. We need more like him.
Report Post »82dAirborne
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:51amHey Blaze – We need at least one of these stories a day! I love to debate and argue ideas as much as anyone but It’s easy to lose track of what is really important. PEOPLE.
Politics is very important; without people it means nothing.
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 12:43pmAt least one such story a day, perhaps even one in the morning and a few in the evening when most of us get home from work and such.
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 4:54pmI agree… if they have to post irrelevant stories, at least make them of this caliber.
I’ll take this over urinating prostitutes any day.
Report Post »right-wing-waco
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:48amRudy is the kind of person that made America great. This renews my hope for America. God bless him and I hope we find a cure for cerebral palsy and MS.
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:20am“He can not SEE, SPEAK or WALK”…God Bless this family and Rudy!
Report Post »BARBBILL
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:20amWhat Rudy is doing is what many unsung Americans are doing – the right thing. God bless you, Rudy.
Report Post »I’d much rather start my Sunday by reading about this kind of young man than about the politicians who only care about their own agendas.
Speak without Fear
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:18amWhat a beautiful story of friendship….love and compassion. Tears are flowing. What a fine young man and a beautiful soul Sammy Parker is. Truly….an inspiration to all.
Report Post »gobnait
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:15amRudy, it’s my great honor to share the planet with a person of your outstanding character. Your compassion and commitment to these folks is inspirational.
Report Post »StMichelob
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:11amIf you want net neutrality, for every “bad” story you show, then you post a great story like this.
Report Post »Semper Fi, Rudy! Hand Salute!
snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:08amThat is a true story of Ameicans at their utter best in this land!
Thank you Blaze for showing it.
Report Post »HillBillySam1
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:17amWhat a beautiful thing to do. It is these stories that make your heart swell with pride for your fellow Americans. May God continue to bless them all.
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:18amheart warming indeed.
Report Post »Lesterp
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:32amHillbilly, Could not agree more. It gave me goosebumps reading it. There is hope for our nation!
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 10:36amThis school and this young man are just a small example of what happens all over these great states, but most of those stories are never told. Thank you, Blaze, for starting the New Year with a heart-warming story. Prayers go out to everyone on God’s beautiful day in FL.
Report Post »Snowleopard, thanks for sharing your artistic inspiration with me.
mill
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 12:32pmHeart warming story, good young man, good program at school. More schools should follow this example of encouraging volunteering for a good cause.
There are a lot of good kids out here. Thanks for sharing this story.
Report Post »GBMBulletsSKNRD
Posted on January 2, 2011 at 1:18pmI didn‘t see the video but really didn’t have to. The smiles say it all.
Report Post »G.W. Dobbs
Posted on January 4, 2011 at 12:15amThank you, BLAZE, for reporting the GOOD in America. This is a FINE lad and God will Bless Him.
Report Post »