Community Spotlight: Bradenton Ninth-Grader Already Working Toward Becoming a Doctor

BRADENTON - Not many people know what they want to do for a career when they enter college, let alone ninth grade. Not so for Lilly Walker, a high school freshman who is already setting on her sights on becoming a doctor. Lilly assists residents at Brookdale Bradenton Gardens assisted living and dementia care community as part of her volunteer work at Boca Ciega High School Medical Magnet Program, a specialized curriculum that focuses on education for students interested in a medical career.

On the honor roll since kindergarten, Lilly, age 14, spends several afternoons each week helping residents with social activities, art projects and community outings such as picnics and beach days. She also assists residents with room set-ups, exercise programs and brain-fit games, working with them as a group and one-on-one. ”I like the technology that doctors get to work with and the idea of problem solving to help people,“ Lilly said.

Lilly’s mother, Dierdra Walker, is the executive director at Brookdale Bradenton Gardens and has worked in residential care for the past 13 years. Lilly has grown up going to work with her mother and has learned about various disabilities.

”Lilly has developed a strong sense of understanding when it comes to working with people who need assistance,“ Walker said. ”She is caring and patient with others and eager to help. She has learned how to speak with people with dementia and how to interact with them. She is often telling me about important things I need to know. She has wanted to be a doctor for some time and already embodies the kind of spirit a medical professional should have.“

The media is invited to visit Brookdale Bradenton Gardens and interview Lilly and Dierdra Walker, as well as residents and family members. Bradenton Gardens is located at 5612 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207; 941-441-2911. Contact Scott McCaskey at scott@goldmanandassociates.com or at 757-625-2518, ext. 3 for more information or to arrange for an interview.

For more information about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com.