At last year’s walk, Chachko got shin splints at the end of the first day, which covered 26.2-mile. She was only able to finish three of the next day’s 13.1 miles. 

“I virtually limped across the finish line. I never hurt so much in my life. Of course, I realized afterwards that I didn’t train enough to be in shape for that kind of grueling event,” says Chachko.

So when Seabrook’s Wellness Manager Judy Seger put out the flyer encouraging staff to participate in the company-wide walking challenge, Chachko responded.

Every September, Baltimore-based Erickson Retirement Communities holds a month-long walking challenge. All of the communities compete against one another. Scoring is based on percentage of participation and the number of minutes walked. Participants simply have to record the number of minutes walked for exercise and the totals are tallied at the end. 

“Seabrook and Avon each provided me with a ‘walker buddy’ to offer training tips, coordinate training times, and keep me motivated,” says Chachko.

In her last 10 days of the challenge, Chachko logged 75 training miles plus the walking she did in her normal activities at Seabrook.

The results were incredible. Seabrook’s staff team, including Chachko, finished first for the fifth straight year in a row, and Chachko was not only able to walk the entire 39 miles during the Avon walk, but to dance across the finish line!

“Just when you thought you couldn’t walk another step, a breast cancer patient would suddenly appear with a sign saying ‘thank you for walking for me,’” says Chachko.

“Breast cancer strikes someone every three minutes. There’s a lot more miles to walk and a lot more money to raise until we find the cure,” she says.

Next year, Chachko is looking to participate in not just the New York event, but in a second city as well. She’s looking at cities where other Erickson campuses are located –Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, or Denver – as possible choices. (Jackie Schatell)

For More Information on Seabrook, Click Here!