Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness with Marcia Burr

In this inspiring episode of Chatting with Betsy, host Betsy Wurzel welcomes her dear friend and first mentor in “Dementiaville,” Marcia Burr. Marcia has been a guiding light for caregivers, encouraging them to share their stories and find their “happy place” even in the midst of life’s challenges. As a former caregiver to her wife, Gaydona, who battled Early Onset Alzheimer’s, Marcia’s journey has continued to evolve — from caregiving advocate to raising Peripheral Artery Disease awareness and inspiring others with her powerful story

Marcia Burr’s Story and Advocacy Work:
Marcia serves on the Board of Elder Options in Williston, Florida. She is a Certified Tai Chi Instructor and has a deep love for practicing and teaching Qigong. Always a storyteller at heart, Marcia shares her experiences through her YouTube Channel, Marcia Cares

During this heartfelt interview, Marcia opens up about her personal battle with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — a condition that affects one in five people over age 60 and kills more people than cancer. Marcia discusses how, after suffering pain for two years and undergoing procedures to save her right big toe, she ultimately had to face the difficult experience of a toe amputation. Despite these challenges, she has become a fierce advocate for PAD awareness.

Recognizing the Signs of Recognizing the Signs of Peripheral Artery Disease:
Marcia shares the critical symptoms of PAD, which include:

• Cold feet

• Pain or tightness in the calves when walking

• Muscle spasms

• Discoloration in the toes or legs

• Loss of hair growth on the legs

Marcia urges listeners to be their own health advocate. She stresses the importance of informing your primary care physician if you experience any of these symptoms and recommends asking for an Ankle-Brachial Index Test, which measures blood pressure differences between your arms and legs. Another tip she offers: take your socks off at doctor visits to allow a full foot and leg examination!

Key Resources and Support for Raising Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness can save lives by helping people recognize symptoms earlier.:
Marcia highlights several valuable resources for those affected by PAD:

• Global PAD Association (operating under The Way to My Heart) – A nonprofit offering doctor referrals, education, and support. Toll-Free: 833-PAD-LEGS

• PAD Support Facebook Group – Join here

• The Way to My Heart YouTube Channel – Watch here

Marcia also highly recommends Kim McNicholas, the founder of The Way to My Heart, whose nonprofit helped save Marcia’s leg through access to critical resources and doctor referrals.

Raising Awareness and Taking Action:
September is Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month, and Marcia encourages everyone to get involved with “Rock Your Walk,” a creative campaign where you paint and place awareness rocks along your walking path to spark conversations about PAD.

📢📢 Click here to listen…
The full interview with Betsy and Marcia is available through the audio commentary provided in this blog. Tune in for even more valuable insights and information!

Final Thoughts:
Marcia’s message is clear: listen to your body, maintain a healthy diet, stay active, and never be afraid to seek second (or third) opinions when it comes to your health. Through her openness and advocacy, Marcia continues to inspire caregivers, PAD patients, and everyone facing life’s difficult journeys.

 🔴If Marcia’s story inspired you, please share this post to raise awareness about Peripheral Artery Disease. Together, we can make a difference!

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Connect with Marcia Burr:

• Marcia Burr on Facebook

• Marcia Cares YouTube Channel

• Elder Options Website