By Nadine Cherry
Rowan Brain Injury Support Group
For the month of March, which is Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Rowan Brain Injury Support Group chose to show support in helping the Concord Brain/Spinal Cord Injury Support Group with the first Walk and Roll-a-thon in this area.
After a lot of debate and planning as to whether we could pull it off or not, the Concord Group decided to do it. There were more than 150 people at the walk , which was held at Frank Liske Park in Concord on March 19.
It turned out to be a beautiful day to hold a walk.
The walk or roll (for those in wheel or power chairs who could make it through the gravel and rocks) was a lap around the lake.
I was humbled to be chosen by the Concord Group as one of the three people to carry the banner. The March winds did not want to cooperate with us as it was rough trying to keep the banner straight.
We were not able to get a good picture of the banner but have talked about getting together again and see if we can get a better picture of the banner.
We had some great sponsors, plenty of food, entertainment and activities. Larry Sprinkle, meteorologist from WCNC, was our emcee and he did a fantastic job. Our DJ, was Tim Troutman of Charlotteoutdoorstage.Com.
Without hesitation or reservation I believe I can safely say this will be an annual event.
Mary Sechler and Nadine Cherry attended the March meeting of PBH Advisory Council in Salisbury.
Martin Foil, executive director of Hinds’ Feet Farm in Huntersville, was the speaker. He gave a presentation on brain injury.
The Advocacy Group meeting was at the Rufty Holmes Center i n Salisbury. Centralina Ombudsman Patricia Cowan led the meeting.
A member of the group also attended an outing with Cabarrus County Safe Kids, handing out information and answering questions on brain injuries, concussions and about wearing helmets.
Mary and Nadine were each recognized at the Arc of Rowan’s annual dinner in March. Each received the volunteer of the year award from the Arc.
After the Walk and Roll-a-Thon was over, Mary and Nadine visited the Pill Drop in Landis, which was sponsored by the Landis Police Department. Officer Brandon Linn accepted the old medicines.
The group received proclamations from the town of Landis and Rowan County commissioners declaring March as Brain Injury Awareness Month.
Other activities for the month included speaking about the Rowan Brain Injury Support Group and handing out the group’s cards at meetings members attended. Listed below are other meetings members attended.
Cabarrus Advisory Council Meeting, CIT Steering Committee Meeting, PBH Contuining of Care Meeting, Clinical Advisory Committee Meeting, CIT Continuing Education Meeting, Police and Fire Academy in Charlotte, Western Ridge CFAC meeting in Gastonia, NAMI Conference “Power to Change Minds” in Asheville, Domestic Violence Training sponsored by the Family Crisis Council, attended the open house and toured Daymark in Rowan County, PBH Housing Forum, the car seat and safety check in Cabarrus County, Faith Community Health Promotor’s Meeting, CFAC meeting.