5 years ago I decided to start a GoFundMe with the goal of raising $5000 for Parkinson’s Boxing: a boxing gym my father had been going to. Parkinson’s Boxing is a specialty gym that serves individuals affected by neurological conditions and other movement disorders. My hope was to ease some of cost of new equipment for the gym, and I could never have predicted the fundraiser going as it did.
Instead of $5000, members of the community (you) raised $30K to support the gym, the clients, the staff, and my dad. I am still in awe at the display of generosity and genuine care from all you who donated. The proceeds were used to outfit almost the entirety of the new, expansive space Parkinson’s Boxing moved into.
More importantly, the gyms reach was extended. With more room to help more members of our community, the Parkinson’s Boxing family continues to grow all because of your generosity.
Dean, owner of Parkinson’s Boxing, and the staff continue to innovate and serve this community with the utmost care and diligence. The impact of their work is truly astounding and is something I had the privilege of witnessing first hand.
I claim ZERO responsibility for the outpouring of support. I attribute every dollar donated to my dad and his ability to impact others. Roman has always been a larger than life figure in mine and my siblings’ lives. I mean that in the literal and figurative sense. I am so honored to be his son.
I’ve watched him battle Parkinson’s with courage and humility as well as witnessed him find joy in helping others that share his condition.
I’ve watched Dean and his staff change people’s lives and literally give them new life despite their afflictions. Their mission is one I wholeheartedly support and believe in. This year I want to ask you to help me support them one more time.
On September 1st, I will be carrying a 50lb rucksack for 50 miles in effort to raise $15000 to support Parkinson’s Boxing’s mission. All proceeds will exclusively benefit veterans training with Parkinson’s Boxing. This is an opportunity for us to put money directly into the hands of members of our community that need our support: no administrative fees, no slick marketing, just people helping people.
The ruck symbolizes the weight of a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Receiving that news can leave a person feeling lost and alone. Things you once rooted your identity in are no longer a part of your story. Tasks that we do everyday without thinking become difficult and burdensome. Your whole life can seems to revolve around your diagnosis.
That’s where Dean and the team at Parkinson’s Boxing come in. Clients are given the tools they need to regain agency in their lives. Their diagnosis is not the end of their story but a new chapter. Access to a service like Parkinson’s Boxing is something I hope to help make a possibility for as many other people as I can.
If you want to join me, I will have details on where and when I will be on that day. No donation is too small. Additionally, for every 1 mile that someone else carries the ruck for me, I will donate another $20 of my own money.
No one should have to bear their burdens alone. Parkinson’s Boxing has been an integral part of father’s journey and my family will forever be in their debt. They continue to prove that hope is on the other side of hard and that together we can go very, very far.
“Take your life back today, one step at a time.”
Please like and share! Thank you for your support!
-Justin