The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation is placing a spotlight on its “Legacy Teams”—those who have gone the extra mile, literally!—to make the annual Vascular Health Step Challenge a success year after year.
This year will see the return of two standout legacy teams: The Heart Hospital Pulse Patrol and Team FAB, who have played a role in the challenge’s growth and success. Their continued leadership is helping to build early momentum for this year’s campaign.
“I look forward to the Vascular Step Challenge every year. It has become a fixture for me as summer transitions into fall. The motivation to walk every day, the friendly competition with my vascular colleagues and the money raised to support the foundation’s mission are win, win, win in my book,” said William Shutze, MD, a member of the Heart Hospital Pulse Patrol, based out of Plano, Texas.
The challenge officially begins Sept. 1, coinciding with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month. Participants are encouraged to walk 60 miles throughout the month to symbolize the 60,000 miles of blood vessels in the human body. The challenge is open to both individuals and teams, with registration having opened on Aug. 1.
The Heart Hospital Pulse Patrol and Team FAB have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting vascular health and inspiring their communities to engage in physical activity through their participation in the challenge.
Team FAB has been a part of the Step Challenge since 2022 and has walked more than 9,000 miles while raising more than $19,000. Last year, they won the title of the top team in the challenge, clocking a total of 3,188 miles.
“Team FAB is proud to unite vascular surgeons from across the country in support of the Step Challenge. We’re preparing with team-based step goals, weekly check-ins and fitness tracking to stay motivated,” said Leigh Ann O’Banion, MD, a member of the group, from the University of California, San Francisco-Fresno (UCSF Fresno). “The challenge not only promotes wellness among our colleagues, but also deepens our commitment to raising awareness of vascular health and encouraging patients to take simple, impactful steps, literally, toward preventing PAD. It’s a meaningful way for us to lead by example and stay connected as a national team.”
The Heart Hospital Pulse Patrol has changed their strategy this year to ensure their placement in the leaderboard is unchallenged.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Dr. Shutze and the SVS for this year’s annual Vascular Health Step Challenge,” said Vanessa Ferris, RN. “We’re aiming to expand our hospital’s participation and inspire even more people to join us in promoting vascular health and wellness for a great cause.”
Other legacy teams returning to the walk—and looking to take the top spot— include IU Health Vascular Surgery, Team Bowling Green, KY Happy Feet and the Piedmont Triphasics. Together they have covered more than 9,000 miles and raised more than $7,000 in support of the challenge.
“The Step Challenge is not only an inspiring way to raise awareness and critical funds for the vascular community, but also a fun and meaningful opportunity to ignite friendly competition among SVS members. We are thrilled to welcome back these incredible legacy teams. Their participation brings renewed energy and excitement to the event. We hope their example motivates even more walkers to step up and get involved,” said Catherine Lampi, SVS Foundation director.
Every step taken during the challenge helps raise awareness of PAD and supports the SVS Foundation’s goal of raising $60,000 for vascular research, education and outreach. Participants are encouraged to invite friends, family and colleagues to join their teams and walk together in support of better vascular health.
While these teams may be legacy steppers, the path to the top of the leader board is wide open. The Step Challenge welcomes everyone, whether first-time walkers or challenge veterans, to compete for first place while inspiring others to act and make a difference, one step at a time.
Visit vascular.org/StepChallenge for more information.
