Rock Steady Boxing, a nonprofit gym that provides a unique exercise program specifically designed for Parkinson’s disease (PD), has partnered with the Parkinson’s Foundation as a National Team for Moving Day, a Walk for Parkinson’s. Moving Day is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event and a movement for more awareness, funding, and understanding of PD. As a National Team, Rock Steady will strive to raise awareness for PD, enhance company culture, and increase reach by connecting with thousands of other supporters across the country.
“At Rock Steady, we are very excited about serving as a National Team for Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day events around the country,” said Ryan Cotton, president and CEO of Rock Steady Boxing. “The Parkinson’s Foundation has long been a supporter of Rock Steady affiliate locations and we look forward to working with our 800+ affiliate locations to bring together the Parkinson’s community to raise awareness of PD and the importance of exercise for people with this diagnosis.”
At Moving Day Salt Lake City, Rock Steady Boxing has 4 fundraising teams representing each of their locations across the Wasatch Front; Sandy, Riverton, Bountiful, and Orem. Sherri Bickley, Rock Steady Boxing coach and Moving Day committee member, is leading efforts to support the goals of both organizations. The Wasatch Front Rock Steady Boxing teams are among the top Moving Day fundraising teams in the country.
Founded in 2006, Rock Steady is one of three organizations that is an Accredited Exercise Education program by the Parkinson’s Foundation. Its non-contact, boxing-based curriculum is adapted and designed specifically to address the symptoms of PD and provide physical benefits including improved walking and balance, decreased falls and hospitalizations, and in some cases, significantly slows the progression of the disease. Exercise programs, like Rock Steady, may also help individuals with PD improve their overall quality of life by decreasing fatigue, depression and anxiety.
“I’m so happy that Rock Steady Boxing will now be part of all Moving Day events across the country, particularly for those in the community who have yet to experience it,” said Terri Weymouth, who was diagnosed at age 55 and is an active boxer in the program since 2009. “My diminished symptoms and great physical condition are proof that exercise is truly as important as the experts stress it is for people living with Parkinson’s.”
The emphasis that Moving Day events place on the benefits of exercise for PD symptoms provides a platform for Rock Steady to raise awareness and collaborate with organizations and individuals dedicated to serving the PD community. Since 2011, Moving Day events around the country have gathered over 186,000 participants and raised $45 million to fund cutting-edge research and community programs.
