Sometimes a walk is more than just a walk. For more than 50 stroke survivors, families, friends, and supporters, it became a powerful opportunity to celebrate recovery, resilience, and community. 

On Tuesday, August 5th, Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery hosted the Third Annual Waterfront Wellness Walk: Anchored in Stroke Recovery, a community-centered event designed to promote health and healing while honoring the unique needs of stroke survivors. Held in collaboration with the Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront, participants walked through the Charlestown Navy Yard, experiencing the historic sites and the new art installation, “The Bridge of Joy.” The walk concluded at The Anchor with food, games and celebration.  

“Today was deeply meaningful,” said Kimberly Erler, Director of the Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery. “It brought to life our mission of empowering stroke survivors and their care partners to re-engage in life and community.”

Participants had the option of a half-mile trek straight to The Anchor or a more ambitious one-mile walk, which turned out to be the most popular option among the crowd.

“For many stroke survivors, this event was about more than a walk,” said Erler. “It was about showing up for themselves in a new way. Regardless of how far they walked, each person did something courageous.”

For one survivor in particular, this walk meant showing up for himself and more. Jason Wheeler, a client of the MGH Institute Dr. Charles A. and Ann Sanders IMPACT Practice Center for almost three years now, treated the walk as a celebration.

“I came here today to celebrate with all the people who helped make this happen,” said Wheeler. “It's a way of giving thanks for all the advancements that I've been able to make as a result of my involvement with the MGH Institute.”

Stroke survivor Lisa A. Sims echoed the importance of community and reflection.

“I always enjoy seeing the people here,” said Sims. “It's always inspirational to see just how far everybody comes, and that makes a big difference, because sometimes people don't always feel or notice how far they came, and then I can help remind them.”

Ian Karby, an adjunct instructor MGH Institute DPT’21 alum, and Senior Advisor to the Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront, partnered with the Tedy’s Team Center to help design and launch the Wellness Walk. 

“Gwen [Larsen] and I connected a few years ago and brainstormed this idea of a way to get people out on the waterfront to enjoy the blue spaces here in Greater Boston, where we know there are benefits for health and wellness,” said Karby. 

The continued success of the Wellness Walks highlights the value of creating inclusive, joyful spaces where stroke survivors and their families can come together and celebrate progress.

The event also proved meaningful for student volunteers. 

“Having the opportunity to connect with stroke survivors outside of the physical therapy setting was really special,” said Jules Mahoney, DPT’28. “One of my favorite parts of the day was hearing the advice [given] about stroke recovery: ‘Keep reaching for the stars.’ I am already looking forward to next year’s Tedy’s Team Center event!”

“From what we've heard from past feedback and through conversations with stroke survivors, events like this make a difference,” said Gwen Larsen. 

“They offer inspiration for what’s possible, a chance to share successes, and an opportunity to connect with others who understand what you’ve been through. It’s all about building community, especially for those who can feel isolated by the challenges they face.”