Ron Fogle, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Michael C. Waters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hendrick Health System are pleased to announce the naming of the Southeast Wing of Hendrick Medical Center as the James and Cynthia Parker Wing. This naming is the result of a major gift arrangement from James M. Parker and his family. The Parker Wing will be dedicated Wednesday, May 28, at 11 a.m. in front of the main entrance of Hendrick Medical Center.

Mr. Parker states, "The Parker family is proud to have a part in a naming memorial for Cynthia while supporting and being a part of an institution that has a legacy and ministry in providing quality healthcare. Hendrick Medical Center always has been instrumental in making Abilene one of the leading medical treatment centers in the state. We know Hendrick uses philanthropic gifts extremely well in the continued development of high quality healthcare, emphasizing excellence and Christian service in all they do. We have been blessed to enjoy and participate in the spirit of giving, which is such a vital attribute of the Abilene community. This is a generous community in the support of non-profit organizations, and we are pleased to continue that tradition. This gift fulfills the wishes of Cynthia and is especially meaningful to her family."

The Southeast Wing was constructed in 1978 while James Parker was Chairman of the Board of Hendrick Medical Development Corporation. He also served as a director of the Hendrick Medical Center Foundation board from 1974 through 1989.

His wife, Cynthia, died in June 2002, after a courageous fight with cancer. She served on the board of Hendrick Hospice Care and volunteered with Hendrick Medical Center Auxiliary for many years. Mrs. Parker’s legacy continues in the lives of her children, all of whom live in Abilene, and her grandchildren. She possessed a mother’s heart, treasured by her children, and it was shared with all the children she encountered. As a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church and Vacation Bible school leader, she influenced numerous lives in the way she treasured God’s word. She also was instrumental in founding GLO (God’s Little Ones), one of the first day care centers in Abilene. Those who knew her kind and gracious spirit benefited from her servant’s heart and countless hours of sharing her time and resources. Mrs. Parker contributed her energies to the boards of the Paramount Theater and Meals on Wheels. Other community involvement included the 20th Century Study Club, SEP Club, Kathy Savage Ministry Study Club, Women’s Missionary Union and the Primetime Sunday school class at First Baptist Church.

Ron Fogle, Hendrick Health System Chairman of the Board, expressed the board’s sentiments by saying, "A gift of this magnitude deserves recognition while standing as a constant reminder of the Parker’s generous contribution to continuing the healing ministry of Hendrick Health System."

Michael C. Waters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hendrick Health System, said, "All those who are served by Hendrick will be touched by this gift and the way it supports our spirit of caring. James Parker exemplifies Abilene and the way in which we give to each other. He is a successful businessman, a man of community spirit and a devoted family man. We are so thankful for this magnificent gift."

The Southeast Wing is the largest wing in the Hendrick Medical Center complex and the main entrance to the hospital. It is home to Executive offices, Tom Roberts Conference Center, the Hendrick Regional Laboratory, The BirthPlace, and patient units for Cardiac Intensive Care, medical/surgical care, orthopedics and cancer.