Reported By: Kelley Dunn
Photographer: Randy Brown
May 5, 2006
Alzheimer's takes so much from its victims. But it couldn't take away Yolanda Greenly's memory of music and dance. Yolanda died 6 years ago but her family honors her every year in the most special way. A benefit titled "A Love Affair" is a combination of music and dance. Yolanda Greenly would have loved it.
Her daughter Penni Greenly says,"the first year we did it probably was the most emotional. It all came together and we thought this is neat to do this for her, in a way that would mean so much to her."
Penni's mom passed away in 2000 after a seven year battle with Alzheimer's.
"Little by little each of these things people cherish -- memory, their mind and the ability to get up and know exactly what you're gonna do--are stolen away from you one by one," says Penni.
Yet amazingly Yolanda's memory of music remained.
"She remembered songs when she was a little girl, they were mainly in Italian. She would sing for you and play the piano -- all songs she learned when she was younger."
Along with her sister Lori, Penni created a show that was not only beautiful to watch but allowed her family to give back.
All money raised at the annual performance goes to Alzheimer's day care centers.
Penni says, "you know the people are getting the money now. It's not like research when you'll see it in 20 years. It goes to people in her community and helped people who are living with the disease -- they can get the benefit from it."
Penni will never run out of future talent for the benefit. She owns The Southern Dance Theatre in Boynton Beach. She teaches all ages but is especially fond of her youngest students.
Teaching children is another gift from her mother who taught music and special education for 45 years.
"I do think she would have appreciated the tribute to her in the way of music because it was so important to her."
