The arrival of November invites us to pause and reflect on gratitude. For me and my team at Balance Foot and Ankle, gratitude isn’t just a seasonal sentiment — it’s something we strive to express daily in the way we care for patients and support the community we call home. This season, with Thanksgiving around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to give back and why I am so thankful for our community.
The Candlelight Walk has quickly become one of my favorite traditions. For many years, Main Street Medina has transformed our historic square into a winter wonderland and a spirit of joy that brings families together year after year. It’s the kind of event that makes Medina special: small-town charm paired with a strong sense of togetherness.
For the past two years, my team and I have been honored to sponsor the warming station during the Candlelight Walk. Standing at the station, monitoring the bonfire and greeting families, neighbors and friends, I’ve seen firsthand how important community connections are.
As a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, I am grateful every day for the trust patients place in me. Helping someone walk comfortably again, heal from an injury or return to the activities they love is a privilege I never take for granted. What makes practicing medicine in Medina truly special is the relationships that grow over time. Those relationships are a gift, and this season reminds me how thankful I am for them.
Gratitude also extends to my colleagues and partners who make our work possible. Medicine is rarely a solo effort. Behind every successful patient outcome is a network of staff, specialists and local partners who care just as deeply. I am proud to work alongside a team that not only shows up for our patients, but also for the community at large. Together, we’ve made it a priority to support local events, volunteer our time and invest in our community.
The Candlelight Walk is a reminder of gratitude in action. Instead of gathering around the table, we gather in the square. Instead of sharing plates, we share smiles and holiday cheer. Both traditions remind us that gratitude isn’t just something we feel — it’s something we practice by showing up, lending a hand and spending time with the people who matter most.
This November, I invite you to pause and consider what you are grateful for. Whether it’s family, health, friendships or community traditions like the Candlelight Walk, gratitude has a way of multiplying when it’s shared. From all of us at Balance Foot and Ankle, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and your community. We look forward to serving you — and celebrating with you — for many years to come.