From Colorado PACE to the Church Pew: Leon's Journey Back to Independence
Leon Bryant is proud to be from DC. No, not that DC. When Leon says "DC," he's talking about Denver, Colorado.
A lifelong Denverite, Leon has always been someone who enjoys staying busy. After graduating from high school, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps before building a successful career in food service and public transportation. Over the years, he worked as a chef, bus driver, dispatcher, and eventually a supervisor for Denver's transit system.
When Leon retired in 2020, he looked forward to enjoying an active retirement. Instead, a series of serious health challenges changed everything.
Complications with his legs led to multiple surgeries, leaving him unable to walk without assistance. Everyday activities became difficult, but one loss weighed especially heavily on him.
For years, Leon had to be wheeled into church.
When Leon enrolled in Colorado PACE earlier this year, his interdisciplinary care team took the time to understand what mattered most to him. One of his biggest goals wasn't simply to walk farther—it was to walk into church on his own.
The team got to work.
They found Leon a pair of supportive shoes that fit comfortably—a milestone in itself.
"It was the first pair of shoes I was able to wear for six years!" he said.
With encouragement from Colorado PACE's rehabilitation team, Leon began practicing his walking at the Colorado PACE Center. Step by step, his strength and confidence returned.
Then came the moment he had been working toward.
One Sunday morning, Leon walked into church under his own power and sat in the seat of his choice.
It may have seemed like a simple walk to others, but for Leon, it represented independence, determination, and the joy of reclaiming an important part of his life.
Today, Leon is grateful for the Colorado PACE team that stood beside him every step of the way.
"The staff is really friendly, and they really are concerned about how things are going for you," he said. "They take care of you."
At Colorado PACE, care is never just about treating a medical condition. It's about listening to what matters most to each participant and helping them achieve the goals that bring purpose, confidence, and joy to their lives. For Leon, that goal was walking into church on his own. Thanks to a dedicated team, compassionate care, and Leon's determination, that goal became a reality—and every step forward is a reminder of what's possible when people are empowered to live life on their own terms.
Go Back A lifelong Denverite, Leon has always been someone who enjoys staying busy. After graduating from high school, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps before building a successful career in food service and public transportation. Over the years, he worked as a chef, bus driver, dispatcher, and eventually a supervisor for Denver's transit system.
When Leon retired in 2020, he looked forward to enjoying an active retirement. Instead, a series of serious health challenges changed everything.
Complications with his legs led to multiple surgeries, leaving him unable to walk without assistance. Everyday activities became difficult, but one loss weighed especially heavily on him.
For years, Leon had to be wheeled into church.
When Leon enrolled in Colorado PACE earlier this year, his interdisciplinary care team took the time to understand what mattered most to him. One of his biggest goals wasn't simply to walk farther—it was to walk into church on his own.
The team got to work.
They found Leon a pair of supportive shoes that fit comfortably—a milestone in itself.
"It was the first pair of shoes I was able to wear for six years!" he said.
With encouragement from Colorado PACE's rehabilitation team, Leon began practicing his walking at the Colorado PACE Center. Step by step, his strength and confidence returned.
Then came the moment he had been working toward.
One Sunday morning, Leon walked into church under his own power and sat in the seat of his choice.
It may have seemed like a simple walk to others, but for Leon, it represented independence, determination, and the joy of reclaiming an important part of his life.
Today, Leon is grateful for the Colorado PACE team that stood beside him every step of the way.
"The staff is really friendly, and they really are concerned about how things are going for you," he said. "They take care of you."
At Colorado PACE, care is never just about treating a medical condition. It's about listening to what matters most to each participant and helping them achieve the goals that bring purpose, confidence, and joy to their lives. For Leon, that goal was walking into church on his own. Thanks to a dedicated team, compassionate care, and Leon's determination, that goal became a reality—and every step forward is a reminder of what's possible when people are empowered to live life on their own terms.