Putting one step in front of the other and making strides to a healthier community.

That’s one of the goals of Kingfisher Community Collaborative’s Walk this May initiative, which is designed to encourage and motivate members of the community to get out and walk for a healthier tomorrow.

During the month of May, 131 participants accepted the challenge in which individuals or teams of five or less “compete” to see who can rack up the most steps each week.

Participants utilize a fitness tracker or their phone to record their steps, which can then be uploaded through the Pacer for Teams app.

Operating as a nonprofi t organization, KCC sponsors the competition, now in its third year, in an effort to build healthy families today for healthy communities tomorrow.

The organization also sponsors a fitness walking challenge in the fall - Walktober - and other healthy initiatives.

“This program is not just about physical activity; it’s about fostering a culture of well-being and support that can lead to lasting, positive changes in people’s lives,” said KCC Co-Chairperson Blair Coughlan, who also serves as Kingfisher County Health Department Community Engagement and Health Planning manager.

Other members of KCC include Co-Chairperson Brittney Hladik, Treasurer Chase Farrar, Secretary Lindy Peterman and directors Rachel Cameron, Lisa Copeland, Racheal Hill, Jennifer Marler and Laci Redwine.

Although everyone involved comes out ahead on this challenge, one of this year’s participants has a particularly inspiring journey.

After being diagnosed with heart failure years ago, Virgil Bonham recently discovered his heart issues were getting much worse and that he would need a heart transplant.

Motivated to do what he could to improve his health, Bonham accepted the Walk this May challenge.

Commenting on the impact it has made, Bonham’s daughter Shilah Jerkins said, “My dad has been on his heart transplant journey for the last year, praying to gain a new heart or strengthen his own, whichever God provides.

“When he began walking in January, he could barely walk around his house without being out of breath and now he walks four miles continuously without being out of breath.

“This challenge motivated him to begin a daily routine, while trying to keep up with the top walkers. The prayers and support in this community are working for him. Keep them coming!”

Finishing with 289,524 steps (an average of just under 10,000 steps a day), Bonham completed the challenge in 55th place out of the 131 participants.

Discussing the impact of the initiative, Coughlan said Bonham’s participation is particularly moving and serves as a powerful testament to the program’s value.

“Despite facing the immense challenge of awaiting a heart transplant, Virgil’s dedication to strengthening his health is a beacon of hope and determination,” Coughlan said.

“His involvement highlights the initiative’s potential to support individuals in their most critical times, demonstrating that with the right support and motivation, everyone can take meaningful steps toward improving their health.”

In addition to the overall competition, participants had the opportunity to compete in a 10,000 steps-a-day challenge, with 13 participants qualifying at the end of the competition.

Those participants were then entered in a drawing for a $200 gift card to Brown Shoe Fit in Enid and the winner was Rhonda Chlouber.

“I’m delighted to see the initiative making a significant impact in motivating our community toward healthier lifestyles,” Coughlan said.

“It’s inspiring to witness how community members are coming together, encouraging one another and taking steps toward better health.”