Tom and Margie Parker expected their 2024 trip to South Florida to offer a welcome escape from the Michigan winter. Instead, a sudden medical crisis led to a life-saving helicopter flight to AdventHealth Orlando.
Margie had undergone triple bypass surgery following a heart attack in 2020. When complications developed several years later, she learned she needed a heart transplant.
While in the ICU in south Florida in 2024, the Parkers were given the choice of going to Tampa or Orlando. Then, suddenly, a bed opened up in Orlando, and a helicopter was dispatched to pick Margie up: “I think the Lord just took us to Orlando. Closed the doors to Tampa and took us to Orlando.”
Margie ended up staying at AdventHealth Orlando for three months, waiting over five weeks for a matching donor heart, and experiencing multiple critical cardiac events. “There was one night that I was afraid," Margie shared. "I don't know why I was afraid, but I was afraid, and I couldn't sleep. I don't remember her name, and I wish I did, but a nurse just sat with me until I fell asleep. I was very grateful for her.”
Finally, that March, Margie received her new heart. Surrounded by family (and even staff) in "Team Margie” T-shirts, Tom shared, “Everybody there just cares. They just care so much. We felt God leading us there, and he didn't disappoint. The people were just incredible.”
Inspired by the compassionate care Margie received, the Parkers made a gift to create the Advance Cardiac Surgical Unit (ACSU) Respite Staff Lounge within the Transplant Institute at AdventHealth.
“We’ve been so blessed,” Margie said. “We want the lounge to be a peaceful place where they can step away, even if it’s only for 15 or 20 minutes. It’s so needed, and they’re so deserving.”
Through their generosity, Tom and Margie are now caring for the people who cared for them.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
Blog
Mission: FIT Makes Healthy Habits Fun for Kids
Mission: FIT Possible is a dynamic, entertaining, and educational program for elementary students in Central Florida. In school with 2nd and 4th grade students, their “edutainers” make learning fun.
Blog
Finding Her Way Back to Herself: Mia’s Journey to Hope and Confidence
Eight-year-old Mia had always been timid and often scared. Born just before the COVID-19 pandemic, her parents knew the world might feel overwhelming to her. She’d been in talk therapy since she was...
Blog
November Diabetes Awareness Month: Adrianne's Journey
Adrianne had noticed that she was much more fatigued than she expected. Tired and, weirdly, thirsty. She’d have a drink before leaving for work, stop for one on the way there, and another when she got...
Blog
A Brother Remembered: John’s Monthly Tribute to Timothy
Once a month, every month, for the last twelve years, John O’Hey sits down to write a check to the AdventHealth Foundation. When his younger brother Timothy was diagnosed with liver cancer in June of...
Blog
Taking His Life Back: Derrick's Journey with Prostate Cancer
Valentine’s Day 2020 was a day Derrick would never forget. Just one month before COVID shut down the country, he received a life-changing diagnosis: prostate cancer. When the pandemic brought...
Blog
The Massey Foundation Fuels Hope at the Winter Park Cancer Institute
The Harvey and Carol Massey Foundation has been a pillar of philanthropy in the Central Florida community since its inception in 2014. Their support of AdventHealth Winter Park has been unwavering...
Blog
Welcoming Michael W. Miller to the Neuroscience Institute Foundation Board
We are thrilled to announce the newest member of the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute Foundation Board, Michael W. Miller!
Blog
Cancer Doesn't Define Me: This is My Story by Selina Vik
Selina Vik is a retired federal professional, cancer survivor, and passionate storyteller whose life of resilience, faith, and service inspires others to find strength in adversity. Despite her battle...
Blog
The Power of Compassion: How the Team Member Support Fund Made a Difference
Geraldo Class had never been the kind to ask for help, if anything, having been an advocate for assaulted women at his church, people came to him for help. But when a family passing, and then his own...
Blog
God's Provision: Jimmy's Story
Jimmy Brown, a former NYPD cop and now retired FDNY firefighter, didn’t always believe in God’s providence— even as his life was spared on 9/11. But, on the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the Twin...
Blog
There is Life After Cancer
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Simona came to AdventHealth for treatment and was determined to live a full life despite her diagnosis. Read how she overcame cancer through the help of...
Blog
TRI Groundbreaking Research
Researchers at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute are on the front lines of the battle against diabetes and other chronic diseases. As part of a dedicated team, they tirelessly work to...
