CORNER BROOK For Zackary Pawley, the VON’s Adult Day Program is a part of his daily schedule. And that schedule helps him keep healthy in mind, body and spirit.
The elements of the program reinforce all things the 21-year-old needs to live his life to the fullest, said his mother Janie.
Pawley was born with a mild form of cerebral palsy, and scheduling has become exceptionally important since he had a stroke.
The stroke was caused by intense migraines he had when he was 12 years old, and it affected his memory and sequencing.
“(High) school is over, now what?” Janie said. “I work and didn’t want him to be alone in the house all day. I didn’t want him to be a couch potato.”
The program has Pawley active and interacting with others from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. five days a week.
Each day brings him a new slate of outdoor activities, games, crafts, interspersed with home-cooked meals. Most importantly, the program allows him to stay stimulated socially.
“The people make me want to keep going, “ said Pawley. “(Participants and staff) are really nice.”
Janie enrolled her son into the program after researching all the opportunities available to him in the city.
“There’s not a lot offered in Corner Brook,” she said.
The program is designed to assist individuals who could use group support and new friends, with ages ranging from ages 19-91 years.
This Thursday, the program had extra meaning to Pawley, as he took part in the Walk for Healthier Communities fundraiser at Margaret Bowater Park. While the main goal was as a fundraiser, with program participants raising pledges, it was just another fun day for the participants, that included music food, socialization and, of course, a walking portion.
Monies raised will go back to the VON’s adult day and Meals on Wheels programs, for use such as subsidizing fees.
