BUSNA Marks 3rd Annual WALKTOBER!
This October, Birdshot Uveitis Society of North America held its third annual WALKTOBER! Many in our Birdshot community revved up their fitness routine by walking.
Whether birdies walked in their neighborhoods or in state parks, they celebrated autumn by walking and hiking in the lovely weather. Special places included Kettle Valley Rail Trail and Cemetery Rail Trail in British Columbia, Lethbridge, Alberta, Strouds Run State Park and Victoria Rain Trail in Ohio, Jockey Hollow National Park in New Jersey, Indian Brook Park in Vermont, Lake George, New York and of course the Rocky Mountains!
Numerous people upped their fitness goals to walk outside, and each week BUSNA was thrilled to receive pictures and distances from the walkers. Some images were posted on social media.
Weekly prizes of gift certificates were donated to BUSNA and awarded to a few lucky walkers. Thank you to board members Andrea Munk and Mari Schlorff for holding these random drawings each week on Facebook. Congrats to drawing winners Janet Williams, Anne Overhoff, Susan Feldhaus and Barrie Smith!
BUSNA also featured a participant each week on its social media Walktober Spotlights. Sincere thanks to Martie Peck, Brian Cook, Kim Watts, Elisabeth Gordon and Barrie Smith for sharing their motivation for walking and their future fitness goals.
Martie Peck of Ohio said she’s grateful that her birdshot journey is currently going well. She relishes the beauty of nature as she walks and listens to her favorite audible books.
Brian joined his six kids in many of their outdoor activities and he hopes that his participation in Walktober encourages others to be more active. He especially enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains.
Kim, who lives in Arkansas, spoke of how BUSNA’s WALKTOBER helped improve her overall wellness. She also appreciated the healthy outlook that fitness brings. Kim plans to stay active all year long.
Elisabeth likes to keep active in all kinds of outdoor sports including cross-country biking and kayaking. She loves wearing her favorite scarves during her October walks and she especially enjoys the fall colors.
Barrie says that walking is a great way for him to reenergize. The pace is just right for him, and he enjoys interacting with other people and their dogs along his route. This past month he saw migrating geese, deer, foxes, bluebirds, and a turtle or two!
BUSNA would like to acknowledge everyone who walked and hiked their way through October. Whether it was with fellow birdies, friends, family, or by ourselves, a stronger birdshot community grew out of our efforts. We made a difference in our health and we sent positive vibes throughout our organization.
We’d also like to congratulate those who sent in their totals for the month. Several people walked more than a hundred miles! Kudos to Brian Cook who walked just over 160 miles in October. Congrats also to our second place winner, Anita Marie, and Linda Laidlaw in third. Very impressive!
Thanks again to everyone who participated. 2024 will go down as BUSNA’s best WALKTOBER yet. Mark October 2025 on your calendars for our fourth annual event!