Eric Parker was a remarkable yet misunderstood man.
Eric had schizophrenia, a chronic mental disorder that made stability difficult. For 20 years, he took great pride in his independence as an unhoused man, living in his hometown of Ann Arbor and traveling as far as Southern California. He found joy in nature and poetry, but he also faced many serious health challenges and, too often, did not receive the care he needed—or deserved.
At the end of his life, support from donors like you made it possible for Arbor Hospice to provide him with the care and dignity he had gone without for much of his life.
A Difficult Journey Home
In 2017, Eric began treatment for his second bout of cancer in California. When the medication started to affect Eric’s mobility and independence, he knew he needed more support and decided to come back home to Michigan.
After he arrived, Eric moved between hospitals, group homes, and homeless shelters, struggling to find the care or the help he needed for his worsening symptoms. Eric persevered and eventually made his way back to Ann Arbor, where his aunt, Marsi, and her husband, Bill, reconnected with him. When they saw how much he was suffering, they knew they had to help.
Determined to care for him and willing to do whatever it would take, Marsi became Eric’s legal guardian and brought him into their home. With a view overlooking the pond, Eric would watch the birds and animals, share stories about his travels, listen to music, and rest comfortably as he listened to his aunt read his favorite poems. It was during this time that Marsi learned how truly resilient, creative, resourceful, and kind he was.
The Gift of Hospice Care
Caring for Eric was an act of love, but it was also physically and emotionally difficult as his health declined. As his primary caregiver, Marsi realized she could not do it alone and made the call to Arbor Hospice.
From the moment Arbor Hospice arrived, the care team provided compassionate, unwavering support—not just for Eric, but for Marsi as well. The aides, nurses, and doctor ensured Eric was comfortable, cared for with dignity, and surrounded by kindness in his final weeks. Their expertise, along with the guidance of their social worker and spiritual care advisor, lifted the weight from Marsi’s shoulders, allowing her to focus on simply being there for Eric, rather than struggling with the physical and emotional demands of caregiving.
Marsi, Bill, and other family members spent precious moments with Eric in his final weeks and days that they will never forget, surrounded by care and love.
The Mission to Provide Dignity and Comfort
Because of generous donors like you, Arbor Hospice was able to care for Eric, regardless of his diagnosis or circumstances.
Will you help others, like Eric, receive comfort, dignity, and compassion at the end of life?
Please donate today to give the gift of compassionate end-of-life care. Your generosity ensures that over 1,200 patients and families in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area can receive the care they need every year.
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Read more about Eric’s story in the book “Eric the Great,” written by Marsi Parker Darwin.
Email Marsi to order: marsi@darwinseden.com