The showcase of “strength, courage and determination” of Rock Steady Boxing members was on full display at Iron Peak Sports and Events as they traversed the indoor rock-climbing course in honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
The gathering on April 22 brought together individuals living with Parkinson’s, along with their families, coaches, and volunteers from both the Hillsborough and Mercer Rock Steady Boxing affiliates, to highlight how intensive exercise – including activities like boxing and rock climbing – is helping slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
“Rock climbing has gained national attention as an effective form of exercise for people with Parkinson’s, as recently spotlighted on CBS Sunday Morning and other platforms,” said Barbara Kelly, head coach for the Hillsborough and Mercer Rock Steady Boxing affiliates.
April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Mayor John Ciccarelli was on hand to present members with a proclamation, which he read verbatim.
“Parkinson’s is a chronic, aggressive neurological disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S. after Alzheimers,” the proclamation states. “Symptoms of Parkinson’s varies from person to person including tremors; slowness of movement; agility; impaired balance; coordination; difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking; and a variety of non-motor symptoms.
“Programs like Rock Steady Boxing and others therapeutic interventions provide invaluable resources and opportunities for individuals living with Parkinson’s. The Rock Steady Boxing family of coaches, volunteers, fighters and families share a unique and inclusive bond where those fighting Parkinson’s can be themselves, feel supportive, engaged in exercise and laughter all while slowing progressions of symptoms and the disease itself.”
The proclamation further urges residents to “support the search for a cure, assist those individuals and families dealing with the devastating illness on a daily basis.”
Ciccarelli added the LED lights around the cupola outside the municipal building will be lit up in blue in recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which Kelly said is part of a “Spark the Night” blue light campaign.
“The campaign is trying to bring awareness to the unseen symptoms that people with Parkinson’s experience,” Kelly said. “Hillsborough Township offered to light up the cupola in blue. And Friday night (April 25) at the Somerset Patriot’s [baseball] game, they will be having ‘Spark the Night” with fireworks. We will be there to show what we do.”
Rock Steady Boxing offers boxing-inspired fitness classes specifically designed and proven to help people with Parkinson’s live happier and more independent lives, according to its website.
For more information visit https://njrocksteadyboxing.com and https://www.facebook.com/allaboutbalancenj
