Last Updated on October 20, 2020
Surviving & Thriving is the four-time Emmy-nominated show produced by Bolder Broadcasting, the team behind the nationally syndicated Growing Bolder. Surviving & Thriving is produced in partnership with WESH-TV.
Hosted by Growing Bolder’s Wendy Chioji and WESH 2’s Jim Payne, this episode originally aired on August 12, 2017 and is presented here with limited commercial interruption.
Surviving & Thriving shines a spotlight on those who’ve overcome the kinds of challenges we all face in life and come out on the other side — stronger than ever. It tells the stories of those who’ve survived these obstacles and want to help you keep moving forward on your journey, too.
“It’s no secret that I have survived cancer two times already and I’m working on number 3. That’s why I love hosting this show and telling these stories,” Chioji says. “I know first-hand how powerful and motivating it can be to learn about other survivors, and the incredible challenges they’ve overcome. On this show, we tell all kinds of really interesting stories, shining a spotlight on people who’ve survived diseases, setbacks, and personal tragedies like death or divorce. The unifying message is that hope is always attainable. It’s a message none of us can ever hear too much.”
In this episode, Marc Middleton tells the story of John Seevers, who was born with birth defects in both legs. A series of surgeries led doctors to perform a double rotation — turning his feet backwards. It’s such an unusual and debilitating disability that most people would have surrendered to a life on the sidelines. Instead, this man has plunged headfirst into life and into the record books as a champion masters swimmer.
Also, meet Jerry and Jan Klein, who have decided to will their bodies to the UCF College of Medicine so that after they pass, the medical school may use their remains to help students and others learn to become future healers. The UCF anatomy lab, designed and run by Dr. Andrew Payer, is one of the finest in the country and is filled with technology that allows students to study the body and learn about anatomy, disease and health in a more meaningful way, and then use that knowledge to help their own patients.
The episode also highlights the forthcoming Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park, which is slated to open in late 2018 and is the brainchild of the Winter Park Health Foundation. This state-of-the-art center will revolutionize health and wellness care in Central Florida and beyond. Plus, you’ll never forget the remarkable Ann Kahl, who still leads workouts in her home pool at the age of 87 and runs in nearly every local race. (And after watching, you can email us at [email protected] to get information on ordering a copy of Ann’s book!)