Grayling Brown
AGE 72
LUTCHER, LA – HUMANA
ANYTIME FITNESS – GRAMERCY, LA
Grayling Brown, affectionately known as “Beaver”, is a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. As a disabled Marine Veteran, he served his country in the Vietnam War. He is active in the community, his church and advocates to end racial inequality. Beaver is dedicated and committed to living a healthy lifestyle and can be found walking or running on the levee or local track, working out at the Gramercy Anytime Fitness club, attending fitness classes and taking Yoga classes to keep himself balanced, centered and grounded. For Beaver, fitness provides benefits physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. It brings him great joy to inspire others in fitness and in life. “Class is not the same if Beaver is not there,” an instructor shared. “Leave it to Beaver to make this world a better place with his infectious laugh, humor and smile.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 MEMBER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS!
JOHN CLARK
Age 70
Cambridge, OH – Aetna
Anytime Fitness – Cambridge, OH
John Clark has been a dedicated member of Anytime Fitness since April 2022. Starting his weight loss journey 5 1/2 years ago at 420 pounds, John needed to lose weight for a knee replacement. Through diet changes and regular workouts, he has shed nearly 200 pounds, with 117 lost since joining the gym. Today, he weighs 223 pounds and is off almost all his medications. John is a beloved figure at the gym, known for his friendly nature and willingness to help others. He works out daily, spending 3-4 hours on a variety of exercises, with a special love for strength training and cardio. John’s dedication and hard work have earned him a spot on the most active users board and as the first “Member of the Month.” His inspiring journey motivates everyone around him.
CARYN COAKLEY
Age 67
Louisville, KY – Anthem
Club Fitness – Mt. Washington, KY
Each day, Caryn Coakley arrives early to set up chairs before class begins. She also brings in new SilverSneakers members and makes sure they are welcomed with a smile and have the proper equipment. She stays in the back of the room, checking to see if anyone needs help with anything and is always quick with paper towels when someone’s water is spilled. Caryn can often be found bringing her own yellow (less tension) band to trade with those that might have a band too difficult for their current strength level. She has lost over 20 pounds in the past two years, and she attributes this and her good physical exams to her participation in the Silver Sneakers program. Caryn prioritizes her commitment to her SilverSneakers classes and will even schedule other activities around them, so she never has to miss a class.
Maryfrances Devine
Age 69
Altamonte Springs, FL – Aetna
SilverSneakers LIVE
Maryfrances Devine’s SilverSneakers journey began in July 2023 when she joined SilverSneakers LIVE to participate in a record-breaking class, and she’s been hooked ever since. A competitor at heart, she’s also a dedicated participant who is open to trying new classes and meeting different instructors and sharing her experiences to motivate others to step out of their comfort zones. Maryfrances is a wonderful example of strength, determination and positive energy, and is known in her SilverSneakers community for her encouragement of others that inspires both instructors and fellow members.
Martha (Jane) Hoover
Age 93
North Wales, PA – Anthem
Montgomeryville Township Community & Rec Center – Montgomeryville, PA
Jane Hoover inspires her fellow SilverSneakers members with her upbeat attitude and boundless energy. She prioritizes her health and leads by example, attending daily recreation center classes, where fellow participants have commented on how she encourages others to maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle with her positive outlook. At 93, Jane brings a youthful exuberance to SilverSneakers classes, with one member calling her “a force of nature with a buoyant, positive personality.” She starts her daily SilverSneakers classes always with a welcoming smile and plenty of hugs to go around. Everyone looks to her for inspiration and she proves that staying active is possible and beneficial at any age.
KAREN LAFRANCE
Age 61
Venice, FL – Humana
Workout Anytime – Venice, FL
Karen LaFrance is a dedicated Silver Sneakers member at Workout Anytime in Venice, FL inspiring others with her unwavering drive and positivity. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis over 25 years ago, she faces muscle weakness and relies on a walker, yet she faithfully visits the gym every day. Despite her challenges, Karen’s determination to keep her body as healthy and strong as possible shines through. For the past several months, she has worked with a personal trainer, making incredible strides in both upper and lower body strength. So much so, that Karen can be seen climbing the stair master with the assistance of her trainer. Her improved strength has enhanced her balance and stability, allowing her to move more efficiently in the gym and daily life. Karen’s mantra, “working out keeps me alive”, reflects her strong spirit.
MARY LEVAN
Age 95
Hammond, IN – Anthem
Purdue University Northwest Fitness Center – Hammond, IN
Mary LeVan, an energetic and healthy 95-year-old, is a role model for SilverSneakers and all members at the Purdue University Northwest Fitness Center. She attends SilverSneakers classes three times a week, Latin dance classes four to five nights, walks three to five miles daily and enjoys weekly line dancing and ballroom classes. A dedicated volunteer at Indiana Dunes State Park, Mary has walked the trails for 30 years. In February, she broke her leg and underwent extensive therapy. Remarkably, she returned to SilverSneakers by May and continues to amaze everyone with her speedy recovery. Mary credits her quick recovery to encouragement from her SilverSneakers friends, class balance exercises, her positive attitude and physical fitness. She believes the key to healthy aging is staying active, moving and following her motto: “If it ain’t fun, then don’t do it!”
SCOTT LUCADO
Age 66
Fort Worth, TX – Humana
SilverSneakers LIVE
Scott Lucado’s journey with SilverSneakers is a testament to resilience and community. Disabled by a stroke, he found hope in SilverSneakers LIVE classes. Despite challenges, he attends regularly, pushing his limits and reclaiming function on his stroke-affected side. Of the classes, he likes to say, “I can’t do it all, but I try to do all I can.” Beyond physical gains, SilverSneakers provided Scott with a supportive family of instructors and participants, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Inspired by his experience, he created a YouTube channel, “From Recovery to Discovery,” to share his journey and uplift others facing similar struggles. Scott’s story is a beacon of perseverance and empowerment. Through SilverSneakers, he not only regained strength but also discovered a newfound purpose in inspiring others. Scott hopes this program will provide the opportunity to energize and encourage many others.
MARION PECK
Age 101
LeSueur, MN – Blue Cross Blue Shield MN
LeSueur Community Center – LeSueur, MN
Marion Peck, 101, embodies positivity and resilience in her wellness community. Attending classes 3-4 times a week, she is known for her enthusiasm and encouragement. Marion’s commitment to health and fitness is nothing short of remarkable. Even after undergoing a knee replacement at 100, her resolve to stay active did not waver. Her presence serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to living a vibrant life and her can-do attitude inspires others to embrace movement and overcome their own obstacles. Marion’s energy is a reminder that age is just a number, and staying active is a lifelong journey. She proves that with determination and a positive mindset, we can thrive at any age.
LEAH WEIS
Age 82
Metairie, LA – Humana
Humana Neighborhood Center – Metairie, LA
Leah Weis faces health challenges like knee replacements and macular degeneration, but nothing holds her back. She returned to SilverSneakers class with gusto as soon as she was medically cleared, refusing to let her obstacles hinder her. Though she can no longer drive, she arranges rides to ensure attendance at a variety of classes and off-site social gatherings. Leah’s joyful spirit and infectious laughter are uplifting “making every class a celebration.” Her commitment to family get-togethers and adventurous activities, like parasailing with her grandchildren in her 80s, is a testament to her courageous soul. As one younger member says, “I want to be like Leah when I grow up!”
ABOUT SILVERSNEAKERS
SilverSneakers® by Tivity Health is the nation’s leading community fitness program for older Americans. The program was founded in 1992 and is available to more than 16 million Medicare beneficiaries through many Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans. For more information, to check eligibility or enroll, go to SilverSneakers.com.