Steven Nelson, Regional Director for TexPTS, is not just a leader in physical therapy; he’s a passionate advocate for The Arthritis Foundation. This connection was born from a shared love of pickleball and a commitment to pain-free movement.
Every year, the Texas chapter of The Arthritis Foundation hosts “Dink for a Cure,” a bold initiative raising funds to find cures for types of arthritis, including the challenging juvenile arthritis.
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the nation, impacting nearly six million adults and countless children. The collaboration between TexPTS and The Arthritis Foundation is crucial in promoting pain-free lives across Austin and San Antonio. At a “Dink for a Cure” event, Steven realized the potential for greater involvement, sparking a powerful partnership.
The growth of this partnership is inspiring. It started with volunteers, then involvement in planning, and now TexPTS plays a significant role in the event’s success. Today, TexPTS’s impact ranges from EMR support to sports PT assistance for athletes. The San Antonio event is now the largest fundraiser for the chapter, setting a model for national expansion.
Reflecting on the journey, Steven highlights the power of relationships. “Everything in life is relationship-driven,” he says, emphasizing that showing up consistently makes the real difference.
Steven and TexPTS have indeed shown up, making a significant impact on the community and those affected by arthritis. “I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built by showing up and caring,” Steven continues. “If we don’t, someone else will—or worse, no one will, and nothing will change.”
Kudos to the TexPTS team for embodying shared values and setting the standard for meaningful community partnerships.
“I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built by showing up and caring. If we don’t, someone else will – or worse, no one will, and nothing will change.”
-Steven Nelson, Regional Director, TexPTS





