Laurel Parks
How did you get started in the allograft industry?
I am a native born and raised Floridian. I worked for Polk County EMS from 1999-2002. My work schedule was 24 hours on and then 48 hours off. The hours were very difficult for me because I had two young children.
One of my best friends had gotten a job with a tissue bank in Gainesville, FL called Southeast Tissue Alliance (SETA). She told me about eye, tissue, and organ donation, and I was fascinated. They had one more position to fill, so I applied for it.
I was thrilled when I received a job offer. Without hesitation, I accepted the position. It was instant love! I have been doing it ever since.
What is your favorite memory from working at LEBW?
I was blessed enough to be able to visit the main office in Madison, WI. While there, I saw a wall filled with artwork made by vision impaired. It was all so beautiful!
I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a piece and now have it proudly hanging on my office wall. When you enter my office, it is the first thing you see.
Tell us about your family, any kids or pets?
I am the proud mother of two wonderful sons who both have proudly served our country in the U.S. army. My older son, Leland, is now out of the army and works for Microsoft (doing some sort of super smart computer stuff). My younger son, Bubba (George) is still serving and plans to retire after doing his twenty.
In addition to my fabulous sons, I am the proud grandmother of three AMAZING, PERFECT, and HEAVENLY grandchildren! My oldest granddaughter is named Kiani, my Hawiian Princess lives in Hawaii with Bubba and his wife. Leland is the father of my other grandchildren, my Princess Aurora and my sweet Prince Reese, live locally in High Springs.
I am blessed even further by being married to my husband, Donny, who is a police officer. I cannot imagine what I have ever done to deserve so much love in my life, but I am glad I have it!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My favorite things in the world are my grandbabies and my sons. I try to spend as much time with them as I can. Life is short, and I want to experience as much of it as possible with them. In addition to my family, I really enjoy plants and crafty stuff. Currently, I am planting every seed from the fruit we eat and planting them. I only recently started, but so far, I have two lemon tree seedlings and six apple tree seedlings!
How do you unwind after a long day?
Typically, I will log off and immediately go play in the dirt. Either planting seeds, repotting flowers, or making cuttings is a great stress reliever. It is also great to be away from the computer screen and phone after working a twelve-hour shift.
What advice would you give someone just starting their career in donation?
There is so much to learn when you start. Do not let it overwhelm you. It will all come together. I promise. Being able to help family members honor their loved one’s wish and helping to facilitate the gift of sight for a donor recipient is a wonderful feeling and makes it worth all of the effort.
