Daniel George Parker was born on September 22nd, 1995 to a loving family and was the youngest of four children. From day one, Daniel was presented with challenges that he had to overcome. He was born with a club foot that required surgery to correct. He was also born with an extra Y Chromosome. Despite those challenges, Daniel grew up with his 2 sisters and 1 brother who he loved so much. Like any other family, the kids would fight, but they all grew up to become the best of friends who really looked out for one another. Daniel had many interests, but bowling was his favorite and he was very good at it. He was a leader who enjoyed teaching strategies to others to help improve their bowling game. Daniel knew how to have a good time and really knew how to bring people together. Daniel really loved his friends and family and will be missed very much.

Daniels's addiction started at an early age. Daniel began smoking pot around the age of 12 and only escalated from there, which landed him in his first rehab by 18 years old. Although Daniel battled with addiction throughout his years, he was sober for a handful of months before the horrible incident that took his life on April 23, 2020. Daniel and I worked together closely on his recovery because I’m a recovering alcoholic and addict who just celebrated 10 years of sobriety. Daniel's behaviors began to change a few days before his overdose when he disappeared and started avoiding calls. Daniel came home the night before the incident to shower for work. He was working the overnight shift. I told him
“Have a good night working and I love you”. Very early morning on April 23, 2020, I received a phone call from Daniel’s father to tell me “he overdosed at work”. I didn’t want to believe it. I got to the hospital and there he was. My family and I were devastated.

Today I am so very grateful for this organization and event Reach at the Beach. We parents need to stick together to help those who are sick and suffering from the disease of addiction. My family will never be the same and will miss Daniel every minute of every day.

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A portion of the proceeds from the 6th Annual REACH at the BEACH were donated to St. Anthony's Shelter in memory of Daniel.