Pennies by the Inch

Pennies by the Inch began as a program that encouraged kids to give to kids, collecting and donating pennies for every inch they were old on their birthday.

Today, the Pennies by the Inch campaign has expanded. Community groups, businesses, schools, congregations, and individuals can start their own personal fundraisers, collect donations door-to-door, host lemonade stands, auctions, and engage in other creative ways to support the hospital.

All we raise supports the area of greatest need at Primary Children’s – supporting Child Life, Expressive Therapies, the School Zone, and other key programs that are philanthropy-funded.

Parker and Peyten are sisters from Evanston, Wyoming. Today, they are active, playful girls who love spending time together and making the most of every day.

When Parker was just four months old, she became seriously ill and was life-flighted to Primary Children's Hospital. After extensive testing, doctors diagnosed her with HLH, a rare immune disorder that can cause the body's immune system to attack its own organs.

Parker began chemotherapy and later underwent a bone marrow transplant. Her recovery included months of treatment, ICU stays, dialysis, heart complications, and a tracheostomy.

While Parker was receiving care, doctors learned that Peyten had the same genetic disease. To prevent the same life-threatening complications, Peyten also underwent a bone marrow transplant at Primary Children's Hospital.

Throughout their journey, Parker and Peyten's family found strength in the lifesaving care provided by their medical team, as well as support from Child Life specialists, social workers, Family Room services, and other families walking similar paths.

Today, both girls are home, growing, and continuing their care close to family.

Parker and Peyten are shining examples of courage and resilience. Their story isn't defined by illness. It's a story of hope, healing, determination, and the incredible difference compassionate care can make in a child's life.