Though this was Walker’s first cycling event, she is no stranger to competition. She is an avid runner and competes in numerous road races. Walker also competed in numerous sprint triathlons (running, cycling and swimming) and placed in the top three of her age group every year.

Just like the energy and enthusiasm she shares with her patients, Walker can empathize with a patient’s mental and physical push through the pain and doubt on the road to recovery.

“I understand how difficult it can be to keep pushing yourself, whether it’s pain from hours on a bicycle or pain following knee replacement,” Walker said. “But it’s a really great feeling when you reach your goal, whether it’s to the top of the mountain or a walk around the hospital.”

Her first time up a mountain on a bicycle, Laura pushed and pedaled for nearly 10 hours to reach her goal. And then she checked it off the list.

– article submitted Kathy Woodham