The scar is still red, but it isn't big. It runs down the front of Parker Fleeman's right ear, curls under the lobe and back up behind.
That scar marks the quiet 10-year-old as a skin cancer survivor.
As part of Sporting Kansas City's Victory Project, kids who have faced – or still face – fights with cancer are honored before home games at Children's Mercy Park. Parker was Sunday's special guest for Sporting's 2-1 victory over Orlando City SC.
The moment – with his picture on the scoreboard, his name announced over the public address system and the Cauldron supporters section chanting his name – was both celebration and reminder; Sunday was Sporting's first home game since MLS and Neutrogena announced the “Choose Skin Health” joint campaign for Skin Cancer Awareness month.