The Pat Darden Memorial Walk for Parkinson's
Saturday, September 17th, 2005
October, 2005
by Dana Lewis
Team leader Dana Lewis coordinated her very first Walk to honor those who have Parkinson's disease and raise the much needed dollars for research. A job well done! Thank you Dana.
PUW Board of Directors
****
The Pat Darden Memorial Walk for Parkinson's was held on Saturday, September 17, 2005 at Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, North Carolina. This day proved to be a huge success! Walkers came from everywhere. The opening ceremony included: CB Aycock's ROTC presentation of colors, a prayer by Pastor Ken Spivey, "Beloved" singing the National Anthem, and balloons being released in memory and in honor of those affected by Parkinson's.
The families of Dana D. Lewis, Terry D. Barnes, and Jean Thorne led the first lap around the track as James Carroll Sauls from "Prayz" sung " I Can Only Imagine." This symbolic stroll was very touching for all those involved. As the families made their way past the bleachers, the crowd of spectators stood and clapped to show their support.
Throughout the day, a variety of entertainment filled the air with wonderful songs of inspiration. Concessions kept the walkers fed and hydrated throughout the blazing heat of the day. People of all ages kept the track busy. Some were walking, small children where being pulled in wagons, and a few of the elderly showed their support from wheelchairs.
This walk raised over $20,000.00, and the donations keep coming in daily. As Dana mentioned in the welcome part of the ceremony, "Whenever there was a bump in the road, the Lord just smoothed it out!" Even though many individuals played various roles in helping this walk be successful, it was truly the Lord that blessed it all.
