COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Parker Martin and his mother, Sondra Wilson-Martin, recently visited Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) to drop off another round of books for families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Sondra delivered Parker in November 2016, 10 weeks early. Thanks to the excellent care MRMC’s team provided, he is a healthy and thriving 6-year-old. Following his birth, Parker’s parents, both educators, launched Parker’s Project, which donates books to the NICU to support other NICU parents and honor his caregivers.
“As an educator, I understand the extreme importance of early childhood literacy,” Sondra said. “Reading books to children can help them in unspeakable ways for years to come, hence why we chose to donate books.”
Since launching in 2017, Parker’s Project has donated more than 1,000 books to the NICU. Reflecting on her experience, Sondra recalled the extraordinary care Nicole Falls, MD; Heather Potts, RN; Christy Brown, BSN, RN; and many others gave her in such a vulnerable time.
“Sondra Martin taking her experience and creating a positive mission with Parker is inspiring to watch,” Maury Regional Health Care Foundation Executive Director Joe Kilgore said. “Year after year, Parker’s Project positively impacts the families served by MRMC’s NICU. We are eternally grateful they continue this mission and share their story.”
Gifts to support Parker’s Project may be made through the Foundation’s NICU fund at MauryRegional.com/Foundation. Established in 2006, the Foundation provides support, health care services and a caring environment for individuals unable to obtain appropriate care. Since its formation, the Foundation has provided nearly $3.4 million in programs and services.
