Mrs. Parker embraced her role as servant leader. Known as the most generous donor in UCH history, she also served on the Board of Directors. Her influence reaches all facets of the organization, including the giving level and nursing scholarship named in her honor. She tirelessly advocated to make senior living and healthcare accessible to everyone. She passed away in February 2015.
Center Aims to Innovate and Transform Aging on a Global Basis
Development of the Center for Abundant Aging builds on United Church Homes’ ongoing initiatives in learning, collaborating with like-minded organizations, and innovating solutions to major issues. “As we look ahead to our second century of service,” said Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes, “we seek to infuse our work with wisdom, creativity, and forward thinking. It’s consistent with our vision, mission, and core values.”
United Church Homes works with other experts in the fields of gerontology, spirituality, aging, and comparable services to create opportunities for intellectual dialogue. UCH anticipates its efforts will ultimately transform the experience of aging on a local, national, and global basis.
Event preparations are underway to introduce the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging. The UCH Board of Directors recently approved this initiative to honor Mrs. Parker’s memory. Board members Rev. John Cramton and Rev. Catherine Lawrence serve the advisory board that’s organizing this event. “We’re very encouraged by the range of organizations that are interested in, and looking to support our efforts in this area,” said Rev. Cramton. “It’s a unique confluence of ideas, interests, and engagement.”
Joan Lunden Named Keynote Presenter of Inaugural Conference
The inaugural event of the Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging commences Friday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Guests will convene at the Columbus Marriott Northwest, 5605 Blazer Parkway in Dublin.
Keynote speaker Joan Lunden highlights the conference. Lunden is an award-winning journalist who served as host of Good Morning America for nearly two decades. Her unique perspective on aging in America has been shaped by her experiences as a breast cancer survivor, healthy living advocate, caregiver for her mom, and mother of seven children.
“We are thrilled that Joan Lunden has agreed to join us as the keynote presenter for the first-ever Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging,” said Rev. Daniel.
“We have been working closely with our Board of Directors, as well as representatives from Ohio Health, The Ohio State University, the United Church of Christ, and other organizations who embrace what we’re looking to do. They all agree that Joan Lunden — given her long-standing association as an advocate on issues related to healthy living, aging, fitness, and wellness — will be the perfect addition to our program.”
Joan Lunden
For over three decades, Joan Lunden has been a trusted voice in American homes. As the longest running host ever on early morning TV, for nearly two decades Lunden greeted viewers each morning on Good Morning America bringing insight to the day’s top stories. Lunden reported from 26 countries, covered five presidents and five Olympics, and kept Americans up to date on how to care for their homes, their families, and themselves.
An award-winning journalist, bestselling author, motivational speaker, woman’s health & wellness advocate, and mom of seven — she continues to be one of America’s most recognized and trusted personalities. Joan Lunden truly exemplifies today’s modern working woman.
With her career focused on health, wellness, and inspiration, Lunden has continued to be a reassuring and informative presence in American homes for more than 30 years. In June 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, which required chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Lunden made a decision to take her battle public and has since shared her journey through cancer treatment with the world, becoming a prominent voice in the breast cancer community.
An eternal optimist, Lunden decided to turn her diagnosis into an opportunity to help others in the breast cancer community. From her consistent journaling throughout her breast cancer journey, Lunden wrote a book entitled Had I Known, which documents her battle with cancer as well as takes a reflective look back on her life and career. Every day, women visit Lunden’s website, JoanLunden.com, for helpful information about cancer, health, wellness, lifestyle tips, family, and boomer information.
Being a part of the sandwich generation, Lunden’s demographic is far-reaching. She, like many boomers in America, is a working mother (of seven including two young sets of twins, ages 9 & 11), and has cared for an aging parent; so she truly understands the stresses women face today. Lunden brings that experience to all her projects, whether focusing on parenting, healthy aging, family caregiving, or health & wellness. Lunden is the spokesperson for the nation’s leading senior referral service, A Place for Mom; and has a skincare line, Murad Resurgence.
Lunden has served as national spokesperson for various organizations such as The American Heart Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, The American Lung Association, The American Red Cross, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and The Colon Cancer Alliance. She speaks regularly around the country about health & wellness, parenting, success & balance in life, and more.
One of the most visible women in America, Lunden has graced the covers of more than 50 magazines and book covers.
Her books include Had I Known; Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregiving; Growing Up Healthy: Protecting Your Child From Diseases Now Through Adulthood; Wake-Up Calls; A Bend in the Road is Not the End of the Road; Joan Lunden’s Healthy Living; Joan Lunden’s Healthy Cooking; Mother’s Minutes Your Newborn Baby; and Good Morning, I’m Joan Lunden. She also hosts the exercise video Workout America.
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