Local gym packs a punch in the fight against Parkinson’s
He’s a former church pastor who was diagnosed in his early 60s with Parkinson’s Disease. Now, David Layman, is boxing his way past the challenges of Parkinson’s and learning to live life… his way. David, and Rock Steady Boxing’s Kristy Rose Follmar, explain the program and how it’s allowing sufferers to have everlasting hope for the future.
• April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month
• More than 10 million people worldwide are fighting Parkinson’s disease and 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year.
• While there is no cure for this disease, Rock Steady Boxing is an International nonprofit located right here in Indianapolis with locations across the United States in around the world that is helping people with Parkinson’s improve their quality of life NOW using “forced” exercise to slow the progression of the disease and alleviate some of the symptoms.
• Rock Steady Boxing started 10 years ago with six participants and has grown to include 17,000 members and over 350 affiliates worldwide.
• Rock Steady Boxing has a new book out called “I Am Rock Steady: Fighting Back Against Parkinson’s Disease.” The book tells the story of 11 people with Parkinson’s disease who have improved their quality of life and have hope for the future because of their participation in a RSB program. Their stories are both moving and meaningful.
• They include RSB founder Scott Newman, a young woman with Parkinson’s disease who learned she was pregnant.
• The book is available for purchase from the book’s website, www.IAmRockSteadyBook.com as well as Amazon & Barnes & Noble.
Rock Steady Boxing, Inc., a non-profit organization, was founded in Indianapolis in 2006 with six participants. The organization currently has over 17,000 members and over 350 affiliate locations worldwide and continues to grow by appealing to men and women ranging in age from 35 to 90. Classes are geared to people at all stages of Parkinson’s disease.
To learn more, visit:
Website: www.rocksteadyboxing.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rocksteadyboxing/
Twitter: @RockStdyBoxing
Instagram: rock_steady_boxing
Book website: www.IAmRockSteadyBook.com