HIGH POINT — Residents of Pennybyrn took to the hallways Sept. 26 for the inaugural Pennybyrn Walk & Roll to raise awareness and support the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
There is a larger community walk scheduled Oct. 25 in Greensboro, but this event helped retirement community residents who can’t make the trip remain involved and connected.
Jennifer Ballance, organizer and director of life enhancement, thought the event was a hit and anticipates the walk becoming an annual tradition.
“It was really meaningful,” Ballance said. “A lot of us have been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, whether it be from a family member or loved one.”
About 30 residents from the skilled nursing and independent living units walked hand in hand or were wheeled by volunteers or family members along the quarter-mile route.
“It was almost like a parade,” Ballance said. “The participants seemed to really enjoy and embrace this event. They were smiling and waving while we passed other residents and staff. They perked up a lot.”
The starting and end points were decorated with purple balloons and ribbons, the color representing Alzheimer's awareness. The 20-minute walk raised more than $580 for the Alzheimer’s Association.
— Lisa M. Geraci
