Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes
Welcome again to this particular collection that includes the tales of the Senior Planet Sponsored Athletes as they pursue their health objectives in 2022. Yow will discover all of our Sponsored Athletes’ tales right here.
Paul “PJ” Gammarano, Sr., 69, is an ice hockey participant, most cancers survivor, and advocate for older grownup athletes. Get to know PJ right here, and skim on for an interview about enjoying his sport for a trigger. Then, be part of us right here on Wednesday, November 30 at 3pm EDT for a stay dialogue with PJ by way of Zoom!
For the final 4 years, PJ has made the journey from Staten Island, New York as much as Danbury, Connecticut to take part within the “Moustache Traditional” charity hockey match. We spoke with PJ about his involvement with the occasion, what it means to him, and what it takes to be an ice hockey goalie as he approaches turning 70.
How did you become involved with this occasion? Why is the trigger essential to you?
Match founder, Matt Caputo, recruited me (amongst many others!) to take part on this “Movember” fundraiser for a number of glorious causes: prostate and testicular most cancers analysis, and males’s suicide prevention. Notably, the NHL and NHLPA (Nationwide Hockey League Gamers Affiliation) have acknowledged the Moustache Traditional occasion for its main fundraising standing of their “Hockey Fights Most cancers” initiative.
Nice occasion in Danbury tomorrow. Attempt to help in case you can! #movember #NoShaveNovember @ConnSportsFdn @MattCaputo @WTNH pic.twitter.com/iHQ16W4oMf
— Erik Dobratz (@Erikd25) November 12, 2022
My older brother and distinguished Navy veteran, Peter V. Jr., handed away from prostate most cancers again in 2013. He was my mentor, and collaborating within the match is a becoming option to commemorate his nice life and accomplishments.
My quest and struggle to fully remove attainable most cancers cells shouldn’t be over.
By the second yr of the occasion, and by sheer coincidence, a really excessive PSA blood worth and different medical assessments revealed my very own prognosis of prostate most cancers.
A “state-of-the-science” process known as the Calypso® 4D Localization System™ introduced my PSA right down to a price of 1, which signifies profitable therapy — however my quest and struggle to fully remove attainable most cancers cells shouldn’t be over at current.
How do you put together to play within the match, and in your personal weekly hockey video games in New York Metropolis?
The preparation is within the years of enjoying time, even earlier than any of the annual occasions. I’ve practiced (and nonetheless apply!) to develop skillful strikes and the mandatory stamina to remain energized for the complete size of matches and scrimmages.
I’ve an off-ice, backbone and muscle stretch routine to forestall harm — and naturally, a optimistic psychological mindset!
Are you able to give us a recap of this yr’s match? What was it like being on the successful staff?
4 groups of gamers from all around the nation play one another in a “round-robin” format. The 2 groups with the winningest data face one another in a remaining sport for the Movember Championship Cup.
It was enjoyable to win after all, however the goal is to have a protected and good time.
![](https://149472331.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/moustache-flag-200x120.jpeg)
The staff I used to be with went into that fourth and remaining sport. Due to glorious teamwork (with the always-required sturdy protection) our staff received!
For me, enjoying within the fourth yr of this occasion, it was enjoyable to win after all — however the goal is to have a protected and good time, which it was all through the day.
Athletics and Activism
For those who’d prefer to study extra about how one can mix your curiosity in sports activities and actions along with your ardour for making a distinction, be part of PJ on Wednesday, November 30 at 3:00pm EST for a stay, digital presentation — “Athletics and Activism.” Click on right here for particulars!
To search out free lessons targeted on advocacy in at present’s digital world, go to seniorplanet.org/civic-participation.
In want of a bit motivation to get transferring? Be part of our each day well being and wellness packages, keep tuned to the newest information and articles from SeniorPlanet.org by signing up for The Orbit weekly publication, and comply with us on social media (Fb | Twitter | Instagram) to get to know these awe-inspiring athletes. You would possibly simply discover a new love for health alongside the best way!
Pictures from Moustache Traditional Hockey and Skilled Grade Aluminum Corp on Fb.