The Adventures of Ruby Pricklebottom: Book 1: Ruby Has PKU

Anna Parker got her master’s degree in Elementary Education in 2010 and is currently a second grade teacher in Ringgold, Georgia. She is no stranger to the PKU world, having been successfully on diet for her entire life. Anna was diagnosed with classical PKU at the Emory Metabolic Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1982, and is active in the PKU community both in Georgia and on a national level. She has been a friend, mentor, speaker, advocate, and role model for others with PKU, and feels strongly that PKU does not define her. Her motto regarding PKU is “people will remember you for what you did and how you made them feel, not what was on your plate.” Brandon Parker studied Business Administration at Bryan College. He utilized his resourcefulness, design experience, and creativity to produce Ruby Pricklebottom. Brandon’s first introduction to PKU began after meeting Anna. He quickly learned the ins and outs of the diet, and swept Anna off her feet by whipping up low protein meals for her on a regular basis. Brandon and Anna married in 2006 and had their first daughter, Emory, in 2011. Emory was named in honor of the doctors and dietitians from the Emory Metabolic Clinic that had such a huge impact on Anna’s life. In early 2012, Brandon and Anna became aware of a little girl with PKU from China, in need of adoption. With much prayer, fundraising, and hard work, Brandon and Anna were able to adopt and bring Maylee home in winter of 2014. The Parkers are thankful for the journeys that PKU has taken them on over the years, and look forward to what God has in store for them next!