Brian Kelley - The Roanoke Times
Jun 18, 2025
ROCKY MOUNT — On Friday, local caregiver Leigh Prom will be hitting the track once again at Franklin County High School to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.
It has become an annual tradition for Prom to run the track on the summer solstice, which is June 20 this year, as well as the day of the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day campaign. She estimates the community has helped her raise more than $15,000 for the organization over the years.
“It all started with a T-shirt I wore at a checkout line in Kroger,” Prom said about starting the annual fundraiser.
Prom said she was wearing a T-shirt from the Alzheimer’s Association about its Longest Day campaign and someone asked about the shirt and decided to give her a donation. That sparked an idea to begin a fundraiser of her own.
“Running just seemed like a natural fit,” Prom said of her annual fundraiser. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages fundraisers to turn their passion into a purpose to fundraise.
Prom has seen firsthand what Alzheimer’s can do to individuals and their families. Her grandfather and mother both suffered from the disease.
Prom was a caregiver for her mother for several years until the latter’s death in 2015. Since then, she has continued caregiving for others in the community, turning it into a business. It has earned her the name “granny nanny” from the families that she helps.
For the past three years, Prom has actively reached out to local businesses and people in the community asking for support in her fundraiser. So far this year, four businesses and more than 15 individuals have provided donations.
Prom has spent the past few weeks visiting local businesses and speaking with media to get the word out about the fundraiser and about Alzheimer’s.
“It’s not just about the fundraiser, it’s about raising awareness,” Prom said.
As in previous years, Prom is asking for donations of $20 for her to run 20 laps or five miles around the high school track starting at 7 a.m. Friday. Her campaign is $20 for 20 laps on June 20 and invites anyone to come by to donate or even join her in part of the run. Donations can also be given online, she added.
Those hoping to visit Friday must be fleet of foot. Prom, an avid runner, trains continuously. Even at the age of 63, she still plans to finish the five-mile run in less than an hour.
In previous years several individuals from the community have come out to show their support. Rocky Mount Mayor Holland Perdue ran a few laps with her during last year’s fundraiser. This year, Prom said members of the high school’s cross-country team will be coming out to join her.
Prom said she is hopeful more people will come out the Friday and support her in her cause.
“The day with the most light is the day we fight,” Prom said.
Anyone interested in donating to Prom’s fundraiser may visit her at 7 a.m. Friday at the Franklin County High School track or make make a donation online at her website at act.alz.org/goto/leighprom