A farewell from Rick Parker, a lifelong advocate for health

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Dear Donors and Team Members,

As some of you may know, I am retiring at the end of this year after 39 years. My wife, Janet, and I have been blessed with four grandchildren, with another one on the way in April. I fully expect to have a great time camping, fishing, hiking and just enjoying the great outdoors with my grandchildren.

I began my career with one question in mind: “How can I bring better healthcare to our community?” Over the years, that vision has led me to start a patient advocacy program, lead professional and support services, and help attract and engage new donors to our Novant Health family.

During my time here, we have had so many remarkable accomplishments. With your help, we were able to purchase a new stereotactic 3D breast biopsy system for enhanced cancer detection. We unveiled the annual Jane Burt Williams Memorial Golf Classic, which has raised more than $128,000 to support programs and initiatives in the Thomasville community. Our fundraising campaign for the 18,000-square-foot Novant Health Wellness and Education Center is in full swing. And when COVID-19 arose, we came together to support team members with the Hope for Remarkable Team Aubergine Fund. I am grateful for the impact each of these achievements will have on patients and families across Davidson County and the surrounding communities.

I will miss the satisfaction of seeing how you all learn and grow in making a positive difference for our community, though I am fully confident that you will continue the good work and please keep me informed of your great strides.

Thank you for your love, support, care, kindness and help during my tenure. Because of you, I woke up every day excited about the opportunities to make healthcare better for the residents of our community.

In closing, I want to offer my prayers of support and good wishes for your future. I will miss you more than you can imagine. It has been an honor to work with each of you.

Sincerely,

Rick Parker
Executive director
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Foundation