Redefining Aging With Senior Athletes, presented by GSK
Redefining Aging with Senior Athletes, presented by GSK takes audiences inside the 2025 National Senior Games and the most inspiring performances by athletes over the age of 50.
All Surviving & Thriving Stories
Surviving & Thriving
We will all face inevitable setbacks as we age. Get inspired from others who have not only survived but thrived in the aftermath of hardship.
The Jean Queen, Diane Gilman, is Too Young To Be Old
Diane Gilman is known as the Jean Queen from her appearances on the Home Shopping Network. She waged a painful, lengthy battle against breast cancer and sits down with Amy Sweezey to talk about what she learned.
The Healing Power of Creativity
At 50, Linda Hollerbach was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation, a mastectomy, and two reconstructive surgeries. Ten years later, melanoma reared its ugly head. It was during her second battle with cancer that she discovered the healing power of creativity to help her keep on living.
Madonna Hanna: Honoring the Past, Sprinting Into the Future
Madonna Hanna has achieved all her life, as an award-winning teacher, author, and fashion industry executive. In 2011 she added sprinter to her list when, at 57, her late husband began coaching her and she entered the Washington Senior Games. After his death, Madonna kept her promise to him to keep running. She found a new coach in nationally-ranked track athlete Marcus Chambers, and their work together helped Madonna achieve gold at the 2023 National Senior Games.
Surviving and Thriving with Paula Franetti
After a near-fatal car crash, National Senior Games athlete Paula Franetti helps others on their road to recovery.
Growing Bolder With Charles Allie
At the age of 69, Allie was ranked number one in the world 200-meter dash among men aged 65-69. Then in December of 2021 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Surviving & Thriving at the National Senior Games
Meet the inspirational athletes who have overcome disease, surgery, joint replacements, personal tragedy and obstacles of all kind to compete at the 2022 National Senior Games.
The Blind Visionary
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind was the first agency in the United States to rehabilitate adults for mainstream competitive employment. In January of 2001 Virginia Jacko took a three-month medical leave from Purdue and came there as a client to learn the skills she needed to live independently once her eyesight was completely gone. Twenty years later, Jacko’s still there, now as the president and chief executive officer.
Connie Francis Bears Prideful Scars of Troubled Life
Connie Francis, a singing legend from the 1950s and 1960s, has known a life and career filled with highs and lows. At 83, hers is a story of survival and triumph.
The Colorful World of Jamieson Thomas
Jamieson Thomas defies description. Artist, athlete, adventuress and so much more. Only her art hints at the depth of this renaissance woman.
Tom “Bull” Hill Honors Firefighters One Step at a Time
Retired firefighter Tom “Bull” Hill was told he would never walk again. But he walked 1,000 miles across Florida and has plans for a 9/11 memorial walk from Boston to New York to honor fallen firefighters.
The Healing Power of Creativity
Linda Hollerbach was diagnosed with breast cancer and 10 years later with melanoma. Throughout her treatment and journey, she discovered the healing power of creativity.