12/13/07
Summerton businesses support cancer patients with Parker Foundation
By Jerriod Grizzle

JERRIOD GRIZZLE/Manning Times

Rep. Cathy Harvin, Linda Parker, co-founder of Parker Miracle House Foundation and Ann Apperson, owner of Summerton’s Two Cute Boutique, pose for a group shot Saturday, at Harvin’s home in Summerton. On behalf of Summerton businesses, Apperson was able to present a check to Parker for $600 to help with the construction of the house.

This season Ann Apperson, owner of Summerton’s “Two Cute” Boutique wanted to add a little boost to holiday spirits, not with free clothes, or accessories but with hope. So when she got the idea to give back, it felt right for her to give back to the town, which has helped her grow.

“The Parker Miracle House is a local foundation that helps people that have cancer,” she said. “People that are trying to beat cancer and going through chemotherapy in Charleston stay for free. The owners are from Summerton and I wanted to give back to Summerton.”

Apperson said she went around to community businesses and asked for donations for the Parker Miracle House, raising $600.

“The downtown businesses on Main Street all donated the money in honor of Cathy (Harvin) and Virginia Ardis, because of the business they brought in,” she said. “We wanted to show our appreciation.”

Last Saturday, during a Christmas fashion show for “Two Cute,” at the Harvin’s home in Summerton, Apperson was able to give that money to the Parker Miracle House Foundation.

“I am so thankful and very appreciative,” said Linda Parker, who owns and operates the Parker Miracle House Foundation.

Parker said she and her husband Larry started PMH in 2006 partnering with the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. The Parkers formed the foundation to help families offset costs of going through their battle with cancer after Larry was diagnosed with cancer in 2002.

Parker said during that time she saw a lot of people who were not at fortunate as she and her husband were financially.

“People would literally lose everything they would own because of financial burdens,” she said.

The Parkers are in the process of renovating a house for leukemia/lymphoma patients in Charleston. Patients will be able to stay free of charge during their treatment and recovery.

For more information visit the PMH website at: http://www.parkermiraclehousefoundation.org.