Triumph Trek and Health Fair: A Rousing Success!

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

On Sunday, Sept. 21, more than 500 community members gathered at the Adventist HealthCare Triumph Trek and Health Fair to celebrate individuals who have overcome serious injury or illness – as well as the caregivers, families and friends who have supported them every step of the way.

The event stems from a long-standing legacy of a “walk, wheel or run” that originally focused on raising awareness and support for those with limb loss. The tradition expanded last year to welcome and acknowledge those who have overcome a range of health obstacles with the help of Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation and Home Care Services teams.

This year, community members gathered on the Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Md., campus, and those interested in making a “trek” navigated the beautiful lakeside path that is overlooked by the patient rooms of the hospital. People of all mobility levels shared this unique opportunity to walk with purpose and celebrate resilience. 

Supporting Total Well-Being

The day kicked off with a robust health fair of more than 50 community partners and Adventist HealthCare teams who joined together to offer free activities to support total well-being, including blood pressure screenings, glucose and lipid panel testing, vaccinations and vision screenings. Plenty of experts were on hand to answer questions regarding dental care, diabetes management, women’s health, heart issues and cancer care. 

Younger attendees especially enjoyed jumping in a bounce house, getting their faces painted and exploring an ambulance. And people of all ages loved visiting the “kissing booth” with Marcy and Peru, Adventist HealthCare’s lovable facility dogs, who were joined by some puppies in training from Canine Companions. 

The joyful mood was supported by live music from the 229th Army Band and the praise team from New Hope Adventist church in Fulton, Md., along with a DJ who invigorated the crowds before the Triumph Trek. 

Recognizing Key Individuals

Of particular significance, the event recognized key individuals who have made a lasting impact on rehabilitation programs. First, Jay and Karen Garrett were announced as the 2025 Triumph Trek Patient Honorees for their inspiring journeys as patients at Adventist HealthCare rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient clinics as well as their unwavering support through generous gifts over the years. Additionally, Dr. Nisha Patel was named as the 2025 Triumph Trek Clinician Honoree for her exceptional professionalism, compassionate care and collaborative spirit, including leading systemwide training on behavioral management for patients with brain injuries and contributing to key publications to promote improvement throughout the physical medicine and rehabilitation industry.  

A true community event, the Triumph Trek was indeed a triumphant celebration of patients and their loved ones, health partners, and Adventist HealthCare’s leaders and team members. More than $25,000 was raised to help individuals in need of access to adaptive equipment, home modifications, transportation and other essentials for continuing recovery with dignity and independence. Most of all, the event helped nurture an encouraging network of support that promotes total well-being through physical, mental and spiritual healing.