The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the world and many activity calendars in dramatic fashion. At Arbor Terrace Sudley Manor, the quarantine meant that residents couldn’t participate in one popular autumn event, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Manassas.
Alzheimer’s disease is an issue that’s “so close and dear to our hearts because so many of our residents and family members have been impacted by Alzheimer’s,” said Susan Kane, Arbor Terrace Sudley Manor Engagement director. So, the Engagement team came up with a new way for residents to raise money for the cause: Walk and Roll.
Residents walked or rolled their wheelchairs on an outdoor course around the community as their mask-wearing families watched from a socially distanced cheering section. The event was divided into 40-minute segments, with one person starting every 10 minutes during the segment. Loved ones made signs and sat in boxes as they watched parents and grandparents make their way around the course. Arbor Terrace team members followed the walkers and rollers, shaking pom poms and shouting words of encouragement. Once their route was complete, residents received a “first-place champion” gold medal and took photos with family members.
The 24 residents who participated raised a total of $1,900 for the Alzheimer’s Association.
“This was so incredible,” Kane said. “It was a touching and very fun day.”