June 11, 2025
A Different Way Around the Bay: Stay Well ATB Challenge
This past March, St. Joe’s Stay Well program, offering therapeutic, safe and effective exercises for patients, hosted their highly attended Around the Bay Challenge across King and West 5th campuses. Designed to mirror the spirit of the iconic Hamilton Around the Bay Road Race while accommodating the unique needs of the program’s participants, the challenge encouraged members to complete 7,000 steps (approximately 5 km) using recumbent bikes or treadmills.
“We wanted to provide our members with the opportunity to participate in this historic community event in whatever way they could. This led us to recreating our own way to take our clients Around the Bay in a really safe way that removed the barriers that can come with disability, rehabilitation or immobility,” shared program coordinator Karolina Grzelakowski.
Stay Well participants at the King Campus achieved an incredible cumulative distance of 400 km (that’s more than 13 times the classic 30k Bay Race distance!) with some participants challenging themselves to go above and beyond achieving 14,000 steps (approximately 10km) during their sessions.
In addition to physical accomplishments, the event raised $1,895, which will go directly back into the Stay Well program to help support the costs of purchasing and maintaining the fitness equipment clients use every day.
The emotional impact of the challenge is perhaps even greater than the physical milestones. Members shared heartfelt reflections on how the program—and the ATB Challenge in particular—has made a difference in their lives:
“I have been coming to the program for a year, and it has helped me tremendously. Coming to the Stay Well Program has given me the strength to keep pushing myself. The ATB Challenge highlighted that I am capable of a lot more than I had thought.” – Margaret H
“I liked the ATB challenge; it felt like a mission accomplished. It made me feel good, and I surprised myself with my abilities. I look forward to it every year!” – Hanna M
“I find the ATB challenge motivating. I see my progress, and how good I’m doing each week. It is encouraging when I surpass my goals.” – Brenda H
The Stay Well program continues to prove that recovery and progress are not only possible—they are empowering. Through a supportive environment, tailored exercise, and community-building events like the ATB Challenge, participants are reclaiming their independence, setting new goals, and redefining what’s possible.
Stay Well is a reminder that movement is medicine—and every step counts.
Learn More About the Stay Well Program & Referral Process Here