101-Year-Old Receives COVID Vaccine 

 

Helen Merrill, a resident at The Village, a Heritage rehab and skilled nursing community in Gerry, NY, just celebrated two very memorable milestones in her life — her 101st birthday, and being among one of the first Western New York residents to choose to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, also on her birthday!

While inperson visiting was not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, residents and staff celebrated with Helen to mark this momentous occasion. Helen received all that you would typically expect for her birthday, including balloons and a festive window visit from her family in Heritage’s decorated holiday Santa visitation hut!  

Lisa Haglund, Heritage President and CEO, shared how important living a vibrant life is at Heritage, including celebrating special moments. She said, “Even amidst the unprecedented events and regulations of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to find creative and unique ways to remain engaged and be part of their community.” She adds, “We were so blessed to help Helen celebrate her very special birthday. Our residents deserve the very best from us during this difficult time, and everyone at Heritage is committed to using love, imagination, innovation, and faith to find ways to encourage and provide hope in the midst of this pandemic.”

Lisa is especially grateful that Heritage’s skilled nursing residents and staff, whom she refers to as healthcare heroes, were among the first to be given the option to receive the vaccine. For the first time in almost a year, our most vulnerable population and skilled nursing staff have a choice in their ability to fight COVID-19, and we are so appreciative of our local, state, and federal agencies for recognizing this need.”

The daughter of a local farmer, born and raised in Chautauqua County, Helen has a lot to celebrate, having been a wife and mother of three, a grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed working at Fredonia Seed for over 20 years. In April 2020, Helen moved into The Village in Gerry, New York. While celebrating her special day, Helen was asked how she felt about reaching such a significant milestone, and offered the following advice, “If you are looking to live a long, happy life, you will find it in working hard.”

Heritage Ministries was initially founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886. Since then, it has grown to include six locations in New York, with additional affiliations across the United States. A not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage employs approximately 1,500 team members, and provides services to 2,500 individuals annually in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington. Services include rehabilitation, skilled nursing, independent retirement housing, memory care, and assisted living. To promote intergenerational programs, childcare is provided at two campuses. For more information on Heritage Ministries, please visit www.heritage1886.org or call 716-487-6800.