Bruce Rychwalski of Gates was recognized during Lifespan’s 20th Celebration of Aging on March 24 with the Eli Rudin Second Half Hero Award.
The 66-year old Rychwalski expects to run his 200th race this year since having Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation surgery in 2011. The device helps him to manage a genetic heart muscle disease.
In addition to running, Rychwalski keeps active with various volunteer activities and is working to reach out to others facing similar medical issues through the formation of “The Rochester Running Heroes,” a group he hopes will consist of others who have had medical devices implanted into their bodies and continue to run and be active.
The March 24 Celebration of Aging was held at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester and featured special guest speaker, actor/author Henry Winkler of “Happy Days” fame.
Rychwalski was one of five people recognized with the Second Half Hero Award.Forty-four people were nominated this year.
“I was nominated by a fellow runner who is 30 years younger than me,” Rychwalski told the Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald. “I am very honored and surprised. I’m very grateful,” he said.
Lifespan President/CEO Ann Marie Cook described the award recipients as, “The faces of aging who live and work among us.” She noted all exemplify the “new face of aging” – people who are growing older but who are taking advantage of options and choices.
“You continue to live as you have always lived,” Cook told recipients.
Rychwalski says he hopes to be an inspiration to those like himself who have heart problems and heart disease, or who have undergone surgery to implant medical devices such as pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, insulin pumps and coronary or thoracic stents.
He is currently in the process of becoming a volunteer at Unity Hospital and hopes to function as a mentor for patients who are either getting a medical device, or who have already had one implanted.
“I can answer their questions,” he says, “and let them know, I got this and I’m leading a normal life.”
He notes mentoring can help to put a patient’s, “mind at ease.”
Rychwalski continues to run, although he has to watch his pace and not become winded. He still runs a 5K race in under 30 minutes, he says, and typically places in the top three finishers for his 65 through 69 year old age group.
The March 24 luncheon was the largest in the history of the Lifespan event with 1,600 people in attendance. Lifespan provides information, guidance and multiple services to help older adults take on both the challenges and opportunities of a longer life.
State Senator Joe Robach, Assemblyman Joe Morelle, Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn and Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo were among the local dignitaries who attended. The event was hosted by Don Alhart of 13 WHAM News.
Guest speaker Henry Winkler described the ups and downs of his career in acting. He said he was, “inspired by the (Second Half Hero) honorees,” and encouraged those attending to, “discover the greatness in you, and give it to the world as a gift.”
That’s something Bruce Rychwalski has done and continues to do very well.
