Flaco Guapo Media
Story, photos by permission from Conexión San Ángelo
SAN ANGELO — “Jackie Parker has gone through more in her short life than most people do in a lifetime,” to the degree that on the day that she met Dr. Rudy Haddad in his office, she was already literally in cardiogenic shock. Dr. Haddad stated to the Go Red Women Luncheon attendees that honestly at that time, Jackie did not have long to live. With that introduction, Dr. Haddad, introduced Parker’s video testimony.
At the age of seven, Parker was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a malignant stem cell bone tumor, usually occurring in the leg or pelvis of children and young adults, characterized by pain, fever and swelling.
“When I was in my late 20s and started having trouble, the doctors put it all together and realized I was in congestive heart failure” said Jackie. Parker was to say the least, pretty upset as she had already been through chemo, radiation. And now, she had to deal with heart failure. On top of that, Jackie was given two weeks to live!
After a lengthy period of six weeks, Parker was informed that a heart had been found for her. “I ended up having my heart transplant on June 18, 2015.”
Since that time, Parker has been able to travel to see Miranda Lambert in concert, a pro football game (favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys) and a rodeo in Houston. “I wanted to live, so you just do what you gotta do to get through” Jackie said. In concluding her video remarks, Jackie also attributed her faith in God had a lot to do with it, also.
After Jackie’s “Open Your Heart, Survivor testimonial” video concluded, Dr. Haddad introduced her to a standing ovation from the audience.
KIXY FM radio's dynamic trio: David Carr, Alma Velez and Rick Andrews attended the GRW, representing Foster Communications. Carr is KIXY's morning drive personality while Andrews does the afternoon shift. Amla also does morning drive with Carr; she is also Foster Communications' executive assistant.
After Carolyn McEnrue, KLST-TV news anchor, who served as the master of ceremonies, took time to ask the attendees to consider making a contribution to the American Heart Association, the GRW went for some fun as Samia Benslimane, Rudy Haddad, and Keerthana Karumbaiah,MD’s, hosted their first fashion show.
In order, the nine ladies, also survivors themselves, who walked the runway were:
1. Deb Patyrak
2. Donna Douglas
3. Sheri Martin
4. Elizabeth Garza
5. Stephanie Seaton
6. Audra Wilcox
7. Dudra Butler
8. Hollie Denkeler
9. Jackie Parker
The 13th annual Go Red Women Luncheon was sponsored by Shannon Medical Center and was held at the McNease Convention Center. A silent auction was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.