PEMBROKE, N.C., April 15 -- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke issued the following news release:

More than 400 people gathered at UNC Pembroke's Grace P. Johnson Stadium on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Joey Bell - a beloved physician, mentor and trailblazer whose impact continues to ripple across generations.

The inaugural Joey Bell ALS Walk attracted 420 registered participants and raised $23,000 to support ALS United North Carolina, funding critical care services, equipment and research for those battling the disease.

For Joey's family, the overwhelming turnout was both humbling and deeply meaningful.

"We knew people loved Joey," said his brother, Greg Bell. "But to see this many people come out - family, fr...