2017 Peoples Health Champions

At age 72, Ben Mathews launched an online blog to help people with disabilities navigate everyday challenges, using his own experience with muscular dystrophy to empower others.

At age 82, Irwin “Jim” Boulet donated 913 pounds of fresh turnips to Second Harvest Food Bank, turning his harvest into a generous act of community care.

At age 101, Julia Hawkins set a new world record for the 100-meter dash in her age bracket, proving that determination and athleticism can thrive at any age.

At age 65, Paul Varisco co-founded The Gleason Initiative Foundation, better known as Team Gleason, to support people living with ALS and promote innovative assistive technologies.

At age 66, Edgar Schafer transformed his lifelong passion for fitness into a thriving personal training business, helping others achieve their health goals.

At age 85, Dolores Jeandron completed her first official foot race—a 10K—on a whim, showing that spontaneity and courage can lead to remarkable achievements.

At age 89, George Dunbar opened his first full-career retrospective at the New Orleans Museum of Art, celebrating decades of artistic excellence and influence.