Tim Eaker never imagined that he would be having this conversation. Not in 2014, when he stood beside his son’s hospital bed, listening to doctors explain the grim realities of shaken baby syndrome. Not when he watched EMTs fight to restore oxygen to his 23-month-old son, whose world had been forever altered in a single, incomprehensible moment. And certainly not when the case went to trial, only for the person responsible to be found not guilty.

Yet here he is, more than a decade later, talking about Piersen’s life—not as a tragedy, but as a story of perseverance, joy, and the profound impact one child can have on those around him.

A Life Filled with Joy and Connection

Piersen may be non-verbal, but those who know him best will tell you he is anything but silent. His presence is felt in every space he enters, his smile an unspoken conversation, his laughter a constant reminder that happiness is not dependent on circumstances.

“Piersen has this way of lighting up a room,” says Lisa Smith, his paraprofessional. “If he’s in a good mood, you feel it. And if he thinks something is funny, you can’t help but laugh with him.”

Stacey Hawkins, his nurse, agrees. “He’s got the best laugh. And he’s a flirt—he knows exactly how to charm people.”

His school community has embraced him wholeheartedly. His classroom isn’t just a place where he learns; it’s where he shares his joy with others. His teachers have found creative ways to engage him, ensuring that he is an active participant in his own journey. His friends and classmates light up when they see him, eager to push his wheelchair or simply spend time in his company. His impact is undeniable, not just because of his resilience, but because of his ability to bring warmth and light to those around him. I discovered, during our conversation, that we share a love for Bohemian Rhapsody and a general awe for the music of Queen. I tell him my standing playlist on Alexa is Classic ‘70s Rock. He nods his approval.

A Fight No Family Should Have to Endure

Piersen’s injuries were severe. The lack of oxygen he suffered for six to seven minutes left lasting damage, leading to a journey of surgeries, therapies, and relentless challenges. As Tim recounts, it was a battle that pushed their family beyond anything they had ever imagined. From the initial hospital stay to the transfer to Rankin Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in St. Louis, and later to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, the Eaker family searched tirelessly for the best care possible.

Even so, there were setbacks. Piersen developed fluid buildup in his brain that caused extreme agitation, a medical condition known as storming. At times, it felt like every step forward came with a setback. But despite the physical toll, despite the countless sleepless nights and the emotional exhaustion, Tim and his family never wavered in their belief that Piersen’s story was far from over.

A Community That Stands Behind Him

Monmouth is not a big city. With a population of just under 10,000, it’s a place where people know each other, where families have roots that run deep. Yet Tim was surprised to realize that, even in this close-knit community, many people still didn’t know Piersen’s story.

That changed when they launched Piersen Strong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about shaken baby syndrome, supporting families facing similar struggles, and, more recently, funding a much-needed home expansion to improve Piersen’s quality of life. For years, Tim hesitated to ask for help. He had a stable career. He didn’t want to burden others with his family’s struggles. But a close friend finally convinced him: “People want to help, Tim. All you have to do is ask.”

The response was overwhelming. Donations poured in, allowing them to build a specialized bedroom and bathroom designed for Piersen’s needs. For the first time in years, he will have a space of his own, equipped with a lift system to safely move him between his wheelchair, bed, and bath—something that hasn’t been possible for over three years. To most, a bathtub is a simple thing. To Piersen, it’s a long-awaited comfort.

The Role of Caregivers and a Father’s Hope for the Future

Tim is the first to acknowledge that none of this would be possible without the incredible caregivers in Piersen’s life. His nurses, Stacey and Caryn, have been instrumental in his daily care, and his school community has provided unwavering support. “If it weren’t for them, I don’t know how we’d manage,” Tim admits. But caregiving is an often-overlooked struggle. As Bruce Willis’s wife recently pointed out, caregivers need care too. They pour everything into those they support, often neglecting their own well-being in the process.

That’s why Tim dreams of expanding Piersen Strong into something more. He envisions visiting hospitals, talking to families facing their own unimaginable hardships, and simply being there to listen. “I don’t know exactly what it looks like yet,” he says, “but I know there’s a need.”

The Bond Between Brothers

While Piersen is the heart of this story, his younger brother, Lincoln, carries a quiet weight of his own. At just six months old when Piersen was injured, Lincoln has grown up in a world where caregiving, therapy appointments, and medical discussions are the norm. Now in fifth grade, he’s a big-hearted, 5’7” kid who towers over many of his classmates. His teachers describe him as kind, compassionate, and protective—a brother who may not always verbalize his emotions but who expresses them in the way he treats others.

Tim knows that one day, Lincoln will have questions. He doesn’t push, but he remains ready for when that moment comes. “He’s never once expressed anger,” Tim says. “But I know there will come a time when he wants to understand.”

A Story That Must Continue to Be Told

I had the honor to visit with Tim and Piersen in their home. Theirs is a remarkable journey and it is filled with love. As evident as that is while in their presence, it would be easy to imagine how the past might dictate the future for many. It would be easy to let bitterness take hold. But that’s not the Eaker way. Instead, they’ve chosen to push forward, to advocate for awareness, and to find meaning in what happened.

“This isn’t the kind of story that gets a St. Jude’s-style fundraiser,” Tim says. “It’s not an easy topic. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less important.”

That’s why sharing Piersen’s journey matters. It’s a reminder of the power of community, the importance of patience, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a story that continues to unfold, written not in tragedy, but in strength, love, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a more compassionate place.

And if Tim has anything to say about it, it’s a story that will be told for years to come. To learn more, go to https://www.facebook.com/piersenstrong