Melodies for Myositis – A Concert to Benefit The Myositis Association and PEN Foundation

My father, H. Wallace Parker, passed away from complications of Inclusion Body Myositis. My mother, daughter and I were his caregiving team and it became my mission to create solutions and pursue resources to fill every developing gap in his physical capacity as his IBM progressed. When he passed away in December 2022, I realized that our home was full of resources which could help others…mobility and assistive device resources. From that epiphany, I established PEN Foundation, the Parker Equipment Network, to connect IBM patients with the mobility equipment needed to live safely. This virtual network connects people living with IBM, with available equipment; keeping equipment in use and out of landfills, storage and attics. I am also committed to the important work of The Myositis Association. I have proudly served on the TMA Patient and Family Advisory Council and now the Board of Directors. Raising funds for TMA and PEN Foundation will help to generate resources and solutions for others living with Myositis, now in my dad’s honor.