Gay Rogers, our 2016 Swanson Award Winner
A disease called Charcot claimed both of Gay’s legs from the knees down, but that didn’t stop her from seeking out personal training. When asked what she expected to gain from the sessions, she replied, “I expect to be walking again!” Gay trained three times per week for three months to strengthen her upper body, thighs and glutes. When her prosthetics arrived, not only did she walk – she got on the elliptical machine and worked out! She inspires her fellow members, proving there are no excuses for not exercising.
About The Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award
The Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award honors a member of SilverSneakers® whose healthy behavior has made a difference in his or her own life and has inspired others along the way. The award preserves the memory of SilverSneakers founder Mary Swanson’s father, who served as the inspiration for his daughter to start the nationally acclaimed fitness program.
Willie Washington
2015 Swanson Award National Winner
Dallas resident, Willie Washington , was selected as the national winner for the 2015 Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award for his dedication to well-being and fitness. When Hurricane Katrina …
Read Willie's StoryGrace Ruby
2014 Swanson Award National Winner
Grace Ruby, a 90-year-old cancer survivor, was selected for her inspiring story of overcoming adversity, improving her health and happiness, and being a dedicated SilverSneakers® champion. After surviving breast and …
Read Grace's StoryGeorge Jacobs
2013 Swanson Award National Winner
Five years ago, 80-year-old Charlotte, N.C. resident George Jacobs began a lifestyle metamorphosis. He walked into his first SilverSneakers Fitness program …
Read George's StoryCecil Daniels
2012 Swanson Award National Winner
Cecil Daniels was “bored” and “burned out with what had become a monotonous activity” – walking and running around his neighborhood. So he just gave …
Read Cecil's StoryTera Winfree
2011 Swanson Award National Winner
Tera Winfree has lived with the chronic lung disease Cystic Fibrosis all her life. She was very active until the flu, pneumonia and a lung infection required her to use an oxygen tank. Tera came to a SilverSneakers class …
Read Tera's StoryPriscilla Farrell
2010 Swanson Award National Winner
Priscilla Farrell had a goal: to walk on the beach with her granddaughter. When she got a call from her health plan saying it included the SilverSneakers Fitness program, she decided she had nothing to lose and made up her mind to change her situation. …
Read Priscilla's Story