The recent Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM 2024) was more than a gathering of medical professionals to discuss advancements in vascular health. It featured the Step at VAM challenge, an inspiring event highlighting the importance of physical activity that raised over $30,000 for the SVS Foundation.
Participants collectively walked over 575,000 steps in less than three days, promoting vascular health awareness through their efforts. The event saw enthusiastic participation, with one standout participant: Greg Westin, MD, from the Indiana University School of Medicine, was named VAM’s top walker after covering 24 miles.
Westin expressed gratitude to the challenge organizers and appreciated the convenience of VAM’s walking location, which had a gym available. His room was on the 31st floor, giving him “plenty of stairs to climb!”
The challenge at VAM 2024 was just the beginning. As part of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month in September, the SVS Foundation is gearing up for the third annual Vascular Health Step Challenge. This initiative encourages participants to walk 60 miles throughout September, symbolizing the 60,000 miles of blood vessels in the human body. PAD, a chronic disease where plaque builds up in the arteries of the legs, affects more than 10 million people in the U.S. and walking aids in its prevention and treatment.
“Walking is a fundamental human activity that keeps us healthy,” said SVS Foundation Chair Joseph Mills, MD. “It’s great to see this campaign succeed in not only raising PAD awareness but also funds for the SVS Foundation.”
Registration for the 2024 Challenge opened on Aug. 1, and walkers can sign up as individuals or form teams. Everyone who registers will receive a commemorative Step Challenge T-shirt.
This year’s sponsors for the event include presenting sponsor Advanced Oxygen Therapy, Inc. (AOTI), superior sponsor W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore), as well as Abbott and the Society for Vascular Nursing (SVN).
With the success of the Step Challenge at VAM 2024 and the enthusiasm building ahead of the September event, the SVS Foundation continues to lead the charge in promoting positive vascular health. Organizers want everyone who can to join the movement, walk for a cause and contribute to a healthier vascular future.
To register, visit vascular.org/STEP2024.
