Meet the SilverSneakers® Member of the Year

Despite serious health challenges —cancer, a broken hip and congenital heart problems — one thing has remained constant for Cecilia. It was her dedication to staying fit and healthy.

Cecilia began her fitness journey more than 30 years ago. She began shortly after retiring and moving to Smithtown, New York. She moved to be near her daughter, Pat Schneider, and her growing family. “Her best physical therapy has been at SilverSneakers® fitness classes because of the trainers,” says Pat. “They tailor her exercises to her needs.”

Since then, Cecilia has been deeply dedicated to staying active. “I couldn’t live without SilverSneakers,” she says, seamlessly switching from English to Spanish. “I tell everybody, ‘Move your body. Move your colita.’” Her resolve has carried her through many challenges. She even attended class with an oxygen tank until she grew strong enough to no longer need it.

Today, Cecilia continues to show up and urge others to keep moving, even while undergoing cancer treatments and living with sundown syndrome (a form of dementia). She even schedules her treatments around her gym calendar.

Pat is convinced: “The only reason Cecilia is alive is SilverSneakers, plain and simple. It’s the only thing that bounces her back.” And bounce back she does. Nothing gets in the way of Cecilia’s classes or her zest for life.

She earned honors from the the SilverSneakers® program when it named the 2025 SilverSneakers Member of the Year Inspiration Award winner. And that’s out of more than 800 nominations from across the nation! Chosen as a finalist, she went on to win the public vote in an online poll.

Cecilia’s optimism and dedication continue to inspire everyone around her. Including the crowd at Gold’s Gym. Here she is affectionately known as the “Mayor.” Whether she’s working out, singing in her church choir or filming TikToks with her granddaughters, Cecilia radiates joy and reminds everyone of the power of movement and community.

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