I owe the lovely, lengthy walk I took with my husband this morning, to one person in particular, Jim Gourley. I came to him a year and a half ago with back problems. I was referred by my physical therapist, to whom I will be eternally thankful for the recommendation. At that time, I was pleased if I could walk for just five minutes on smooth ground.

At the age of seventy, I was frightened that any intervention could make the problem even worse. I had no confidence in myself, or my body. After a careful evaluation, Jim said my lack of confidence was actually my biggest problem. He tried to assure me that my body could take the road to recovery, and of the importance of getting on that road. Over time, his encouragement, skill and devotion to moving one small step at a time, gradually brought back my health, courage, and confidence.

I feel like a different person now — happier, stronger and much more able to be the person I want to be, and thanks to Jim, fully committed, and unafraid to continue moving ahead.