Improving Health One Step at a Time in San Francisco

At Walk with a Doc, we believe in the power of movement and the importance of community. We’re proud to share the inspiring story of Kevin Bryson whose life has been transformed by attending the Walk with a Doc program in San Francisco.

Kevin has Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition that restricts blood flow to the legs, often leading to reduced mobility and difficulty performing daily tasks. He was invited to attend a Walk with a Doc event by his physician, UCSF Vascular Surgery Resident Dr. Colleen Flanagan. At his first walk, Kevin walked about 25 steps and then needed to take a break. Rather than throwing in the towel, Kevin continued to come back each month, determined to walk a little farther and get a bit stronger each time.

Dr. Flanagan has witnessed Kevin’s transformation firsthand. “Walk with a Doc has totally changed Kevin’s life,” she says. “He’s now walking 1.5 to 2 miles per session, and the improvement in the quality of his life has been immense.”

In addition to walking farther, Kevin has also lost weight and has taken up swimming to support his cardiovascular health with less strain on his joints. He has become stronger, more confident, and more independent. He even started a new part-time job where he’s on his feet most of the day with no problems. “I’ll keep walking with the doctors and improve even more with my PAD. I thank Walk with a Doc for the opportunity to improve my life.”

Kevin loves the monthly walks not only for the physical benefits but also for the friendships, encouragement, and accountability. His lovely fiancé Nancie (pictured below) even attends the walks now too! The positive and supportive environment allows participants to push their limits in a safe and welcoming space. “We train him like an athlete and have high standards!” Dr. Flanagan says with a smile.

Kevin’s journey is a testament to the fact that anyone can make incredible strides toward better health with the right support. If you’re ready to start your own journey, we invite you to join an upcoming Walk with a Doc event. You never know where that first step might take you!