Waddell, AZ – June 2025
When Heidi Burkhart reached out to Parker & Sons on Instagram, she wasn’t expecting the wave of support that followed. Her message was simple: her husband Mike, a 43-year-old U.S. veteran, had been diagnosed with severe heart failure earlier this year and was now waiting for a heart transplant. With Mike soon to return home on immunosuppressants, Heidi asked if we could help make their home a safer, cleaner space, starting with an air purification system.
What followed was much more.
On May 21, our HVAC technician Devon Plush, installed an Air Captura purification system at the Burkharts' home in Waddell, AZ. The system will play a vital role in maintaining clean indoor air, reducing dust, mold, and other airborne contaminants that could jeopardize Mike’s recovery post-transplant.
Just days later, on May 27, our water department stepped in to further improve the family’s living environment. Julian Contreras and Jacob Laberteaux installed a new kitchen faucet, reverse osmosis (RO) system, water pressure regulating valve, and a water softener, bringing the home’s water quality up to the highest standard. These upgrades ensure clean, safe drinking water for the entire family, including their beloved pets, while also protecting their appliances and plumbing systems from wear and tear.
The Burkharts have two young children, ages 9 and 11, and a house full of love, including eight large-breed dogs they’ve adopted or fostered. Recognizing their dedication to animals, our team surprised them with a gift basket full of dog treats, toys, and a $100 gift card to a local pet store. The idea came from water tech Julian Contreras, who noticed the dogs during a site visit and suggested we do something extra.
“It feels good to do something for someone that really needs it,” Julian said.
This initiative was made possible through a partnership with EcoWater Systems, who donated the water equipment as part of their 100 For 100 Give Back campaign, celebrating their 100th anniversary by donating 100 water systems across North America.
“When Heidi reached out to us, their story inspired us to take action,” said Shae Brennan, Water Operations at Parker & Sons. “We nominated the Burkharts to be recipients of EcoWater’s campaign, and we’re proud to be part of something that makes a real impact.”
Altogether, the Air Captura and water upgrades totaled nearly $18,000 in value. But for the Burkharts, the support meant more than numbers.
“We’re trying to prepare the house for after my transplant because everything has to be clean and sanitized since I will be on immune suppressants for the rest of my life,” Mike shared. “Parker & Sons has been so awesome with the air purifier and the water softener.”
His wife, Heidi, echoed the sentiment: “I don’t think I could ever thank you guys enough for everything that you’re doing. It means the world to us.”
At Parker & Sons, giving back is more than a gesture, it’s part of who we are. To the Burkharts and families like them, we’re honored to be a part of your story.
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