Sometimes, taking the first step toward better health starts with something as simple as a Facebook post. For Columbus, Ohio walker Dorlene Fitzgerald-Hawkins, that’s exactly how her Walk with a Doc journey began.

“I first learned of Walk with a Doc on Facebook,” she shared. At the time, Dorlene was looking for a way to improve her overall health. Like many people, she knew walking was one of the best things she could do—but finding the motivation to stay consistent isn’t always easy.

So, she decided to give Walk with a Doc a try. That first walk turned into something much bigger than exercise.

Today, Dorlene keeps coming back for two simple reasons: the people and the opportunity to learn. “Socializing and learning from the medical staff,” she says, are what make each walk worthwhile. Every Walk with a Doc event begins with a brief health talk led by a healthcare professional before participants head out for a walk together. Along the way, conversations flow naturally, friendships grow, and everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace.

For Dorlene, those connections have become just as meaningful as the miles.

“I have met several new people I can relate to about our health goals,” she shared.

Having a community of people who understand the challenges and celebrate the victories has made staying active feel less like a chore and more like something she genuinely looks forward to.

One of the biggest changes Dorlene has noticed since joining Walk with a Doc is the sense of accountability it has created. “Yes,” she said when asked whether Walk with a Doc has made a difference in her life. “I hold myself accountable to walk every day.” That daily commitment is exactly what Walk with a Doc hopes to inspire—not perfection, but consistency. By creating a welcoming environment where participants can return month after month, the program helps transform healthy choices into lasting habits.

When asked about her favorite memory from Walk with a Doc, Dorlene didn’t mention reaching a fitness milestone or completing a certain number of walks. Instead, she talked about something less expected.

“My favorite story is learning to enjoy mindfulness,” she said. “I now look for it in my everyday life.”

Walking has become more than physical activity. It’s become an opportunity to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and find small moments of peace throughout the day.

Whether it’s noticing the beauty of nature, sharing a conversation with another participant, or simply taking time to breathe, those moments have become part of her wellness journey.

Starting something new can feel intimidating, especially if you’re attending alone.

Dorlene understands that feeling, which is why she makes a point to welcome newcomers. “I will meet you to walk with,” she said. “I will also try to talk with you to understand why you want to walk with a Doc.”

That simple gesture reflects what makes Walk with a Doc so special. It’s not about how fast you walk or how far you go. It’s about showing up, supporting one another, and creating a community where everyone feels they belong.

When asked to finish the sentence, “I walk with Walk with a Doc because…” Dorlene’s answer perfectly captures what the program is all about. “I truly enjoy walking, socializing and trying to stay healthy and learn new things about being and staying healthy.” 

Her story is a reminder that better health isn’t built overnight. It’s built one conversation, one walk, and one step at a time. And sometimes, all it takes is saying yes to that very first walk.