The family of Parker Drum, a North Schuylkill student and volleyball player injured in a recent crash in Porter Township, is sharing a message of thanks following an outpouring of support for the three teens involved.
Parker’s mother, Alison, reached out to Skook News with a letter recognizing the bystander who stopped to help, emergency responders, medical teams, schools, sports programs, and the many people who have offered donations, encouragement, and prayers.
The family also shared that Parker is expected to make a full recovery and asked the community to continue keeping Autumn and Taylor Houser, the other girls involved, in their thoughts and prayers.
A Letter From Parker Drum’s Family
The family’s letter appears in full below.
To our incredible community, friends, and family,
Words cannot fully express the overwhelming gratitude our family feels right now. When Parker was involved in her car accident, our focus instantly shifted entirely to her care and healing. Throughout the past few days, we have been endlessly thankful for the incredible support around us, and we truly felt the strength of our community standing with us.
There are simply too many people to name—and we apologize deeply if we inadvertently miss anyone—but we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every single person who reached out. It has been truly humbling to see how the support of a small community comes together in times of need, along with so much incredible love pouring in from outside the community as well. Whether you sent a donation, dropped off a card, sent a text/message, made a call, or kept Parker in your thoughts and prayers, your support meant more to us than words can say.
Our heartfelt thanks go to:
The Kindness of a Bystander: To the woman who pulled over and stayed at the scene until emergency responders arrived—we don’t know who you are, but thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having the courage to stop and stay there with the girls.
The Emergency Responders & First Responders: The local EMS and firefighters who acted with incredible speed, skill, and care at the scene. Your bravery and dedication made all the difference.
Our Medical Teams: The exceptional doctors, nurses, and staff at Geisinger Medical Center and Trauma Unit, Geisinger Pediatrics Pottsville, and Lehigh Valley Medical Center Emergency Department for providing Parker with extraordinary, compassionate care.
North Schuylkill School District: To the administration, teachers, staff, athletes, and students who stepped up with unwavering support for our family.
Neighboring & Regional Volleyball Teams: To the high school and middle school volleyball teams both within our league and across the entire region who reached out, wore ribbons, held fundraisers, and sent messages of encouragement. Your sportsmanship and solidarity touched our hearts.
Local School Districts, Sports Teams & Club Organizations: To the athletic directors, coaches, players, and families from surrounding school districts, various local sports leagues, club programs, and regional sports teams who contributed donations, offered support, and cheered on the girls. Seeing rival teams, programs, and diverse sports organizations unite in support of Parker was truly extraordinary and inspiring.
And Finally, The North Schuylkill Volleyball Family: To Parker's teammates, coaches, boosters, parents…..our volleyball family—words could never fully express what you all mean to us. Your energy, team spirit, boundless love, constant presence, and relentless support have been the very backbone lifting Parker and our entire family through these past days. You showed us what true brotherhood and sisterhood look like, proving that a team bond goes far beyond the boundaries of a court. Once a team, forever a family.
We are so relieved and blessed to share that Parker is incredibly fortunate and expected to make a full recovery. Please continue to keep the other girls, Autumn and Taylor, in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate their healing journeys as well.
To everyone near and far who chipped in, donated, or cheered her on—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have shown us the true power of community, and we will never forget your love and support.
With endless gratitude,
The Family of Parker Drum (and Parker!)