At 10 a.m. on March 31, the Wilson Research Foundation at Methodist Rehabilitation Center (MRC) will host its third annual Walk & Roll for Research. The event will be held on the grounds of Methodist Specialty Care Center, One Layfair Drive in Flowood, and the Mirror Lake Plaza walking trail nearby. 

“The response to the Walk & Roll has been phenomenal,” said Chris Blount, Wilson Foundation director.  The event celebrates the abilities recovered over the years by patients of Methodist Rehab Center’s main hospital, as well as the residents of the Specialty Care Center. 

The 2011 event raised $52,000 for research at Methodist Rehab, and the 2012 goal is $50,000. “This will help us find better ways to improve walking, use of hands, speaking, swallowing, mood and memory. And it will help us provide state-of-the-art assistive technologies for severely disabled persons,” Blount said.

There is no cost for registration, which can be done online at www.wilsonfoundation.org or by calling the foundation staff at 601-364-3598. Participants may walk individually, join a team, or form a team. Walkers and rollers (those in wheelchairs) of all ages are welcome.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the Specialty Care Center. The walk (ranging from one mile to three miles) will then take place on the paved trail around Mirror Lake. Live music and refreshments will be provided.

“Even if you cannot attend the walk & roll, you can support a walker with a contribution, and encourage others to donate,” Blount said. For details, call the foundation or visit the website.