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Boxing for Parkinson's Disease

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Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a brain disorder associated with the a loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells deep in the brain.  Dopamine is a chemical that helps regulate the body's movement.  Essentially, less dopamine leads to less mobility and less control over one's movements.

Because one of the primary tasks of dopamine-producing nerve cells is the plannin, initiation and control of movement, functions like balanace and walking become apparent as nerve cells degenerate or die.  Primary movement problems can include:

     - Tremors
     - Slowness in movement
     - Rigidity or stiffness in the arms, legs, neck or back 
        muscles.
     -  Walking problems such as stooped posture and
         shuffling steps.
     -  Balance problems

In October 2016, The Rockford Metro Parkinon's Disease Group took the fight against PD to a new level.  We partnered with Core Combat Sports to develop a Boxing for PD program for the Rockford Metro area.    We wanted this opportunity to be free for every participant.  Their only investment is the initial purchase of  boxing gloves and a class t-shirt.  We were able to secure funding for nine months.  Now we are faced with continuing the program for our 15 participants, ranging in age from 85yrs. to 58yrs. old,  for the next 12 months.

Here's what your generous donation will mean:

     -  Continuation of 1 hour classes twice a week for
         15-16 participants who are battling PD.

     -  An amazing opportunity for them to continue 
        building a support community among peers.

     -  Allow for these amazing men to participate in 
        an exercise program that improves their muscle
        tone, balance, flexibility, and, most importantly 
        the self-esteem.  

Parkinson's Disease was once known as the "Shaking Disease" that mostly impacted old folks.  That could not be further from the truth.  This hideous disease also strikes men in their prime... causing uncertainty about their future,  often robbing them of an opportunity to live out their lives in the manner they had planned for.  It impacts their families, friends and co-workers.

There is no cure for Parkinson's Disease.  There are medications available to manage symptoms, which sometimes come with their own set of side effects.  Exercise has been proven to slow the progression of PD.  Exercise coupled with a fighter's heart are two things within their control.

Please consider helping us reach our goal of $8500.

Your generosity will help these guys deliver a knock out punch to Parkinson's Disease.

Thank you!



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Donations 

  • Roger Swing
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $80 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
  • Olin Church
    • $300 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
  • Alan Lundin
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
  • John Zanacco
    • $200 (Offline)
    • 7 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Linda Knobeloch Palmer
Organizer
Rockford, IL

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