Cribbs Resident Anna Buckley finished in third place overall during the inaugural Wesbury Wellness Warriors Challenge, and she says she feels like a true winner. Before the challenge began, Anna described herself as “moderately active.” Living in a second–floor apartment a bit farther from the Cribbs activity epicenter, she felt she got plenty of movement from her daily routine…walking to the library to set out a puzzle for fellow residents, heading to and from meals, and attending morning fitness classes in the community room was a good workout.
But everything changed last spring when the Wellness Warriors Challenge was announced. Encouraged by her son, Gordon, Anna decided to give it a try. “He inspires me,” she says proudly. “He’s 66 years old, stands on his head doing yoga, and still plays hockey. He’s very active.” With that motivation, Anna decided to get competitive and make a game out of walking.
She stopped by the Cribbs Wellness Center to pick up a pedometer and began challenging herself one step at a time. She noticed other residents, like Alvin, walking frequently and thought, Why not try to match them? Soon she was heading outdoors more often, first circling the Cribbs building, then pushing herself a little farther each day.
“I was surprised as my numbers went up,” Anna shares. “First five thousand steps, then six thousand, eventually ten thousand steps—walking all around Grace and Cribbs.” Her progress didn’t just show on the pedometer; it showed in how she felt.
Anna believes that if not for a brief hospital stay during the challenge, her point total would have been even higher. But she’s quick to add that the real joy came from the experience itself. “Everyone did an excellent job, and the challenge was fun,” she says. “I feel wonderful and have no desire to go backwards—only forward.”
Along with feeling stronger and more energetic, Anna says she’s also sleeping better at night, a benefit she hadn’t expected but happily welcomed.
As for the 2026 Wesbury Wellness Warriors Challenge? Anna doesn’t hesitate. She plans to be the first to sign up and yes, she still has her pedometer ready to go!