JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Parkinson\u2019s disease patients gathered for an afternoon of perseverance and laughter as Rock Steady Boxing celebrated seven years as a program.<\/p>\n
Rock Steady Boxing allows people struggling with Parkinson\u2019s disease to find relief through boxing.<\/p>\n
Leslie Wester, Rock Steady Boxing coordinator with St. Bernards Health and Wellness, said the program tries to target every issue related to the disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey say if you see one hundred people with Parkinsons, you\u2019ve only seen on person with Parkinsons because all of the symptoms are so different,\u201d Wester said. \u201cThis program really helps people that are facing that battle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants say the program creates connections beyond physical exercise. Richard Long, one of the participants in the program, said the shared experience helps build support. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur symptoms are not the same but we\u2019re close enough alike to support each other and appreciate how each other feels,\u201d Long said. <\/p>\n
Long joined shortly after the program started and said the community aspect provides crucial emotional support.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t feel like being here, then that\u2019s when you need to be here,\u201d Long said. \u201cThere\u2019s somebody here that will lift you up and make you feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Long emphasizes the importance of staying active to manage Parkinson\u2019s symptoms before they worsen.<\/p>\n
\u201cParkinsons is a use it or lose it disease,\u201d Long said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t care what you give up as long as you give up something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite setbacks, Long says he has seen improvement in his abilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can do jumping jacks now where I was doing sidesteps, but I\u2019m back to doing jumping jacks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Wester says the program addresses mental health challenges that often accompany aging and chronic illness.<\/p>\n
\u201cEspecially as we get older, we start losing our loved ones; we start losing our friends and so this brings a whole new community,\u201d Wester said.<\/p>\n
Long says his favorite part of each session is the group\u2019s closing ritual, where participants come together and chant \u201cRock Steady\u201d to celebrate overcoming challenges together.<\/p>\n
After the session, the group celebrated seven years of the program with cake and snacks. Wester says some boxers have participated since the program began.<\/p>\n