When is a die-cast car more than metal and plastic? The average collector of die-cast cars will eagerly regale you with stories about how a certain replica strikes a nostalgic cord for any number of reasons. Cody Parker's collection came about for a different reason. Cody can't reminisce about the heyday of the muscle car movement, but then again Cody is not your "average" collector.

Cody is a nine-year old boy who was born with Chiari Malformation and Syringomelya, a disorder of the spinal cord. While most children his age live in a world of running, riding bicycles, and jumping on trampolines, these activites could be extremely dangerous for Cody. His is a world of carefully monitored activity, doctor's appointments, and medical procedures. The medical condition is indeed rare, but rarer is Cody's indomitable spirit. Because of his condition, according to his mother, Ginger, "He started collecting [die-cast] cars. He loves them! He eats, drinks, and sleeps cars! This intense love of die cast cars is not uncommon amoung adult di-cast collectors, but a certain group of collectors recently took it upon themselves to send a great deal of love and support Cody's way.

  It all began when collector Mike Brown sold a die-cast car on an internet auction site. When he contacted the winning bidder and asked curiously if the car was for her, the e-mailed response said, "it's for my son. He just had brain and spine surgery, so this is his gift. He is nine and can't play sports, so he does this collecting instead." Brown is also a frequent visitor to the DieCast News message boards at wwww.diecastpub.com (now known as the diecast-pub) The message boards are where collectors from all walks of life come together to share in discussions about the one thing they all have in common - an enjoyment of collecting and talking about die-cast cars. Brown shared Cody's story by reprinting the e-mail message and adding the following, "I sent her back this...'if he likes die-cast cars and cars in general, here's a Web site with a discussion board he may enjoy. He can look at some of the latest cars and post messages if he feels like it. I think he would get a good response if he posted, introduced himself and told his story." He added, "So please, if a yound man named Cody Parker post, please give him a warm welcome." A brand new die-cast car fresh out of the mold could not have been any warmer!

Upon reading Brown's message, Jeff Casterllari responded back on the message board, "Here is a thought...what about [people] who post here sending a die-cast car to this boy. I'm all for it! It's just a thought." And what a thought it was! In almost no time at all, people began responding, saying they were also going to send Cody some die-cast sunshine! To avoid duplication, Brown began compiling a list of what cars had been sent or had been pledged to be sent. At the time of the writing, the kindhearted collectors had promised more than 50 die-cast car., books about cars, and subscriptions to die-cast magazines! The local delivery drivers all learned the path to Cody's house and experienced firthand the bright smiles each deliver brought!

  A Las Vegas TV station also told Cody's story on the news. Ginger is quick to point out and Cody agrees, "it's not the car or the gifts; it's the knowing that this group of collectors pulled together from all over to help put a smile on a child's face, with out expecting anything in return but a smile. Boy, do they have that from Cody! The most valuable thing Cody has received however, is something that most of us take for granted - acceptance. Cody can't take part in the Little League or soccer games or schoolyard activities where many friendships start, but this brotherhood of die-cast collectors has shown him that he has all it takes to be a full-fledged member - a love of cars. His opinions and viewpoints are as important as anyone else's. "he is feeling like he has been accepted by the collectors into something he has never been able to do before. and that is to be part of something," said Ginger. "They have made him feel a part of something he loves, and have given him a great start into being a true part of the collector's group. He feels special because he has a place he can belong and fit in - he is now a die-cast collector, and very proud of that!

This artical was printed in the July/August 2001 issue of The Replica by Ertl Racing Champions and is reprinted here with permission.

Update: - In a message dated September 4, 2002, Craig from the Replica writes:

I received an e-mail this morning from Ginger Parker (Cody's Mom) and she asked me to post it:

Hi Craig, - Cody still gets emails and a car here and there from your club, you guys are awesome...

Would you please let the diecast group know... Thanks so so much....
Ginger and Cody Parker