Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures

05/29/2026

Please welcome Chris O'Sullivan as our next spotlight!

Chris O’Sullivan from Stourbridge, West Midlands, UK, is currently in the process of confirming a PAD diagnosis after years of assuming his symptoms were related to surgery that removed a tumour pressing against his femoral artery. Over time, his legs became progressively heavier throughout the day, eventually making walking extremely difficult. After blood tests in 2026 revealed high cholesterol and a high stroke risk, he was prescribed blood thinners, which motivated him to take control of his health. To combat PAD and related conditions, including Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease, Chris quit smoking, improved his diet, lost weight, began walking twice daily, and added chair Tai Chi exercises three times a week. By starting slowly and gradually increasing his walking distance, he improved from struggling to walk half a mile without severe pain to building a sustainable routine that works for him. Chris says the Facebook support group has played an important role in his progress by allowing him to learn from others’ experiences, try new strategies safely, and encourage others to keep moving forward at their own pace.

05/29/2026

The 2026 Vascular Health Innovation Summit was held in San Francisco on May 18 and brought together more than 60 leaders from across the vascular health community. Patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry partners engaged in meaningful discussion to advance collaborative solutions in vascular prevention, research, and patient-centered care.

This year’s conversations explored the critical intersection of vascular and metabolic health. Through expert presentations, patient-centered discussions, and collaborative breakout sessions, attendees examined emerging science, ongoing research, unmet clinical needs, opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, and future directions for improving vascular health equity and outcomes.

Most importantly, the Summit reinforced the importance of keeping patient voices at the center of innovation. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and especially to the patients and caregivers whose partnership continues to shape and ground this work.

04/14/2026

🆕 Free educational materials on vascular disease
are now available in Chinese!

This launch is part of our PCORI-funded initiative focused on patient-centered comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research (patient-centered CER) - research that compares different treatments to find what works best for patients. In partnership with USC, Casa Colina, and community organizations serving Chinese-speaking populations in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we worked with Chinese-speaking patients & caregivers living with vascular disease to build capacity to engage in this research.

🔗Explore the resources: vascularcures.org/pcori-education

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03/06/2026

Please welcome Soo Millikin as our next spotlight!

Soo Millikin is from England and was first diagnosed with PAD after experiencing worsening cramping in her left calf that progressed to severe pain and difficulty walking even short distances. To combat PAD, she declined stents, carried out her own research, joined the group, and committed to a daily walking routine to build collateral circulation, starting at just 50 yards and walking to pain, resting, and then continuing, gradually increasing distance. This consistent effort led to a successful outcome, with significant improvement in mobility and the achievement of her dream holiday to Egypt 14 months later, completing around 15,000 steps or approximately 6 miles in a single day. The group supported her outcome by providing vital education about PAD and collateral development, ongoing encouragement, shared experiences, and motivation that helped her stay focused, determined, and confident to keep progressing one step at a time.

02/24/2026

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Wylie Scholar Award!

The award is a 1-year, $50,000 grant for early-career vascular surgeon-scientists dedicated to integrating clinical practice with innovative research. The award supports research in areas such as basic science, translational and clinical research, patient-centered studies, outcomes/health services research, teaching, community service, and patient care.

Applications due: April 13, 2026
Learn more:

The 2026 Wylie Scholar Award application period is open. Questions about the award and application submissions should be sent to [email protected]. The application is due on April 13, 2026.  

02/20/2026

Please welcome Kristi Johnson as our next spotlight!

Kristi Johnson is from Hayward, Wisconsin, and was diagnosed with PAD four years ago after two years of severe symptoms and nine misdiagnoses, finally confirmed by an ankle brachial index test that revealed blocked arteries. To combat PAD, she underwent a balloon angioplasty in 2022 and, after changing vascular surgeons, had a successful angioplasty with two stents placed in 2023. She also manages her blood pressure and cholesterol with medication, stays active by walking daily, biking, and swimming, and has adjusted her diet to include more pork, seafood, and chicken while reducing red meat. The outcome has been life-changing as she now feels amazing, has strong blood flow restored to her foot, and enjoys an active life with her six grandchildren. The group has supported her by providing encouragement, understanding, and reassurance that PAD is not a death sentence but a condition that can be faced with hope, persistence, and community support.

02/10/2026

We are pleased to announce the publication of “Unmasking the Silent Threat: Prevalence of Peripheral Artery Disease Among Patients of Indian Descent During [CHAMPIONS] Cardiovascular Screenings” in the Journal of Vascular Surgery - Vascular Insights. Read the open access publication below!

The CHAMPIONS Initiative is a community-focused vascular prevention and wellness initiative of the Foundation and UCSF /UCSF Vascular Surgery, that delivers free cardiovascular screenings and health education to communities in need.

We are grateful to the volunteers, clinicians, and community-based organizations who make CHAMPIONS possible and help advance equitable vascular health.

Congratulations: Manreet Dosanjh, Maria Denalene Tiu, Dr. Clara Gomez Sanchez, Guistinna Tun, Molly McCabe, Dr. Viraj Pandit, Dr. Misty Humphries, Isabel Bjork, Dr. Leigh Ann O'Banion, Dr. Kathryn DiLosa

Read the open-access article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvsvi.2026.100366

02/06/2026

Please welcome our next spotlight, Sean!

Sean Mellon is from Scotland and was diagnosed with PAD in November 2014 at age 44, with severe claudication in both legs. To combat PAD, he underwent angioplasty in both legs in January 2015, with a repeat procedure on the left leg in April 2015 after it failed. After almost ten years symptom-free, his PAD returned severely, limiting him to around 200 yards and causing his left toe to turn blue. In September 2025, a vascular surgeon offered a bypass, but Sean declined after weighing the risks and instead committed to daily walking through claudication, aiming for 2–3 miles and 10,000 steps per day, alongside medication and lifestyle changes, including stopping smoking and adopting a low-carb, high-protein diet. As a result, his toe returned to normal colour within four weeks, and his walking distance steadily improved, now regularly exceeding one mile before claudication. The group supported Sean by sharing practical guides, real-life experiences, and consistent encouragement, helping him make informed decisions and stay motivated.

01/30/2026

Please welcome Karina Stoitzner as our next spotlight!

Karina Stoitzner is from Scotland and was diagnosed in April 2024. She has not yet seen a vascular surgeon, with her first appointment scheduled for 11 February 2026. To manage PAD, she has not received any PAD-specific treatments to date. Instead, she has been focusing on regular walking and uses a Revitive circulation booster to support circulation. After being diagnosed as pre-diabetic, she also adopted a ketogenic diet. While there has not yet been a specific improvement in her PAD, she has lost weight and is now down to 55 kg, which she hopes will have a positive impact on her condition. The group has supported her by providing vital information, encouragement, and reassurance to take things slowly, helping her remain motivated and informed.

01/23/2026

Please welcome Chris Freudenreich as our first Spotlight of 2026!

Chris Freudenreich was diagnosed with peripheral artery disease about six months ago. To combat PAD, he focuses on extensive walking and regular weight lifting, with less emphasis on dietary changes, using treadmill sessions and outdoor walks to stay consistent. As a result, his pain is now minimal most of the time, and he has maintained strong mobility and endurance. The group has supported his success by offering a welcoming space to share ideas, concerns, and questions, providing encouragement and practical tips that help him stay motivated and positive.