Community walks, rolls for disabilities; raises $19,000

UNMC Munroe-Meyer employees and their children pose with Eric Crouch, far right. From left are: Mark Smith, and son, Sean, and Pam Ferrick and son, Tyler.

Cerebral palsy may keep Brian, 30, from doing some things, but this past Sunday, he did one of the things he loves to do: watch people. The 30-year-old, joined his mother, Karen Lancaster, and sister, Kim, in the first Walk & Roll for Disabilities.

The Lancasters were among more than 350 participants and volunteers who helped raise $19,000 for the event, said Michael Crawford, Re.D., director of recreational therapy, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute. The UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute and the C. Louis Meyer Foundation sponsored the walking event inside Westroads Mall.

The funds raised will enable more adults with developmental disabilities to participate in recreational activities and give their family or caregiver free time to themselves. With the exception of a small aquatic therapy program funded by a private family endowment, the C. Lewis Meyer Foundation is the only consistent source of funding for adult recreation services.

“When he (Brian) turned 21, he couldn’t go to Munroe-Meyer anymore,” Lancaster said. “We need more activities for adults. Recreational programs give them something to do.”

Greg Blake, left, and Sarah Gardels, right, present Ellen Davis-Hall, associate professor, UNMC School of Allied Health Professions, with a limited edition football signed by Eric Crouch, 2001 Heisman Trophy winner and former Nebraska Cornhusker Quarterback. Davis-Hall was the winner of the event prize drawn for the medical center.

As a single parent, Lancaster struggles to meet the demands of working and caring for her children. She welcomes time to herself. Though currently programs for adults with developmental disabilities are full, Lancaster hopes to enroll Brian in a recreational program this summer.

Beth Anderson, mother of KellyLynn Grady, 13, echoed Lancaster’s comments about the importance of recreational programs and said it’s important for children and adults with developmental disabilities to socialize with those outside the family.

On Sunday, walkers were entertained with music, clowns, cheerleaders and dancers. They also lined up to get autographs and photos with Eric Crouch, the 2001 Heisman Trophy winner and former Nebraska Cornhusker Quarterback.

Crouch, who served as the honorary team captain of the walk, said his decision to participate was easy. “I always have a heart for helping people,” Crouch said. “I know it’s for a great cause. I believe in everything Munroe-Meyer does so it was really an easy decision for me.”

Dr. Crawford said participants enjoyed the event. “From the smiles, hugs, pats on the back and thumbs up I saw our staff get from the participants and moms and dads, it was evident they appreciated the day,” Dr. Crawford said. “Here was an event just for them. They don’t get many opportunities to be in out in front and show off for the general public.

Honorary Team Captain Eric Crouch kicks off the Walk & Roll for Disabilities at Westroads Mall.

“This is an event that helps families help themselves. Families of children with developmental disabilities will ultimately seek recreational services when the children become adults.”

Dr. Crawford said the event, along with such fund-raisers as Arts for Hearts and the Tee Up for Disabilities Golf Tournament, will help build an endowment.

“The goal is to get to $100,000 to have a sustained endowment,” Dr. Crawford said. “We have a long ways to go but we’re really excited about how well we did with the walk. It’s something we can build upon.”

Dr. Crawford praised volunteers on how well the event was organized, as well as individuals, corporations and organizations for their cash, door prizes, and other in-kind contributions. “We could not have done this for our participants and families without everyone’s help,” he said.

Brittney, 7, and Al Morin at the Walk & Roll for Disabilities event.

Rick Boldt, president of the C. Louis Meyer Foundation board and UNMC employee who participated in the walk, said the event brought everyone together. “With some of our fundraisers, we don’t get to interface with the people we support,” Boldt said. “Hopefully this public event brought awareness of the need for recreational programs for those 21 and older. I also firmly believe we have an obligation to make those with special needs, and their family and caregivers, feel part of the everyday process.”

He said the board is planning a fund-raising dance in the summer with live music on campus for employees, students and their families.

As a parent of children with developmental disabilities, Karol Colbert, also a board member of the C. Louis Meyer Foundation and employee of the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, said she and other families appreciated the event.

“As a parent, just seeing people coming together for this cause was phenomenal,” Colbert said. “Everyone was having a great time. Acceptance is so difficult when you have a special needs child. This was a day of acceptance.”