Hi, I'm Larry Zeitman, and I'm reaching out to ask for your support for Up ENDing Parkinson’s. We are a group of volunteers that belay people with Parkinson’s at a local rock climbing gym. There are lots of data points and testimonials on the internet and youtube espousing the benefits of climbing to PD people. Please look these up. You’ll be impressed with what these events do for people with Parkinson’s.

This started with Molly Cupka in Alexandria Va. Where she and a retired neurologist started a group of Parkinson’s patients climbing at their gym. They have called it UPendingParkinson’s. They’ve been doing this now for over 12 years, touched and helped a lot of PD people and seeded the idea in over 80 gyms across the country.

The Parkinson’s people that climb are people that are trying to combat the disease ,and minimize their symptoms outside of medication. Climbing for them is problem solving and manipulating their bodies with large and methodical movements. These alleviates several Parkinson symptoms. Climbing will affect their entire body; arms , legs, core , shoulders etc. Most of all there is lots of support and camaraderie from fellow climbers and volunteers. The mental therapy and the feeling of accomplishment is a big part of what they take away from the UPendingParkinson’s events.

We are looking to increase the amount of participants . The gym charges are a likely factor that impede participation. If we can raise money and make it free or nearly free for Parkinson participants we will be able to help more people. Thank you for considering a donation!