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.
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 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.
At 83, 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.
Sam McDowell’s True Calling
When six time MLB all-star Sam McDowell hit rock bottom with his drinking problem he decided that wouldn’t be let that be the end of his story. Discover how, in many ways, it was actually just the beginning.
“The Miracle Man”
Learn how Darryl Perry recovered from a near death experience and set his attention on inspiring anyone facing a challenge.
How to Survive ‘Lifequakes’
Bruce Feiler is the creator of the NBC hit show “Council of Dads.” He shares how his own cancer challenge sparked the idea and what he’s learned about coping with “life quakes.”
Remembering Wendy Chioji
If you’ve watched Growing Bolder over the years you know that one of most talented and inspirational team members was Wendy Chioji. Wendy was not only a regular on our programs, she was a good friend and colleague for over 35 years.
A Voice for Modern Widows
An estimated 258 million women worldwide are widows. And many of them are younger women, suddenly left alone to raise families and keep their families afloat. Women like Carolyn Moor. When her husband died in a car accident, she floundered but then found her voice in helping other widows like her.
A Masterclass in Active Longevity | Fountain of Youth
With a combined age of more than 360, John Corse, Ed Graves, Betty Lorenzi and Joan Campbell had the chance to smash two things: a world record and expectations.