Testimonials
Our Programs Make A Difference. Our work matters.
Our commitment remains to reduce, reverse, and prevent the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
Hear from our Fighters...
“No other gym can give us what this center can give us. Cardio, cognitive, hand/eye coordination, improving balance, strengthening, voice, even our handwriting is imperative to fighting this disease. I did mention “fighting”. Those of us that belong to PEWC. Are not clients. We are “FIGHTERS”. We fight this horrible disease every minute, every hour, every day. We are a community of dedicated fighters doing our best to hold off the progression of it. These are the people I partner with every class. We network, we converse about anything and everything. I guess I would survive but for how long. I am not self-motivated. I need these classes. I need the instructors to show and guide me. I am sure some depression would set in. I would be a soldier without my weapons. My weapons are the PEWC.”
-George Weaver
"I am a retired 67-year-old police detective who spent 39 years in law enforcement. About four years before I retired I developed a tremor in my right hand and arm. In November 2021 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The following month after two people informed me of the Rock Steady boxing program I made an appointment, was assessed and began attending. I liked the way that everything was designed to address the disease. Through the workouts and informational meetings, the knowledgeable and dedicated staff, taught me more than all my doctor visits. They taught me to fight and I never gave in. That was made much easier in the family-like group environment, where there is no judgment, everyone has a common problem, goal, and are supporting of each other. That is why I make the 40 minute drive at least three times a week. I don’t feel like I could get the same results at any other gym. The environment and the great PEWC staff make all the difference.”
-Dan Curby
“I would be feeling very isolated with this disease because I don’t know many other people that have it. Probably my favorite thing about PEWC is the connection with other fighters. We’re attacking the disease together, and helping each other. I have no doubt I have lowered my rate of progression through the classes at PEWC.”
-Marla Cope
“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in August of 2021. I have been attending activities at the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center since September of 2021. The structured classes as well as the educational and social activities have been the perfect situation for me. The positive attitude of all of the trainers and volunteers creates a very welcoming and non-judgmental environment as well as a sense of community that is not available elsewhere. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s is an emotional and scary time in your life with many more questions than answers. The PEWC focuses on activities designed to help you continue with your daily activities by focusing on those things like balance, that frequently become limiting factors in the daily life of someone with Parkinson’s. The way that The PEWC brings together a large number of people who have varying stages of the progression of Parkinson’s is extremely beneficial to all of the participants. In addition to helping people with Parkinson’s they also provide much needed education and assistance to caregivers to those with Parkinson’s.”
-Bill Graham
"It wasn’t until I participated that I realized my fellow fighters are real, genuine people who have no motives other than fighting Parkinson's Disease and genuinely caring about others doing the same. I was the only person I knew with it! Now I know so many others. That is a strangely comforting reality. In observing the coaches I saw that this job for them is much more than a paycheck. It is a calling. A spiritual purpose. I have only attended a few classes so far. The exercises are awakening muscles, nerves and strength in my body. I can feel a difference already. Greater than that, I feel a sense of hope that I have found somewhere truly unique and special and a group of people who will help me in my Parkinson’s journey."
-Dick Champion
“The PEWC provides a world class exercise curriculum targeted to the tightness, rigidity and small movements that are inherent to Parkinson's. PEWC isn’t just an exercise group but a specialized exercise group with targeted exercises and super expert instructors."
-Jim Dugan
“Life with Parkinson’s is difficult and without a support facility like the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center (PEWC) it seems unfathomable. To lose the coaches and their knowledge of how to get the best out of the life we are given is hard to imagine. For our well-planned and well-instructed workouts to be gone would be devastating. We would no longer have the tools we need to combat a disease that messes with our balance, cognitive ability, and mental state. I would feel so lost, adrift without a rudder. Where could I turn?
I would also miss the social aspects of enjoying each other's company and experiences in life. Losing the friends I have made in the staff and coaches and the other “fighters” who battle with the same circumstances I do! At the beginning of my Parkinson’s diagnosis I was using a walker and within 12 weeks of attending the PEWC I put the walker away, could drive again and felt more independent than I had in months. It is so hard to imagine life without the PEWC. It is so much more than losing a gym. It is losing the way to a better and more fulfilled life.”
-Brad Duckett
"We can’t overlook the camaraderie that has developed, not only with staff but also with fellow “fighters.” We are all fighting the same issues in varying degrees and have come to care about and know each other on a first name basis - this is priceless! The Center also cares for the whole family. In addition to a monthly support group for caregivers, several special events have been planned over the last year to encourage our friendships and be there for one another. If the Parkinson’s Center were to close tomorrow we would be devastated. It has become our rock in the midst of a most difficult battle and we are so thankful for every aspect of it. "
-Dennis & Sherry Van Voorst
“I have been coming to the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center (PEWC) for five years as of January, 2024. I started 6 months after my diagnosis of PD. I truly believe that without the center, I would have regressed physically, socially, and cognitively. Because of faithfully attending classes at the center, I am in the best shape that I have been in years. I have better balance and greater strength and flexibility than before I began attending classes.”
-Paul Elo
“At Rock Steady we are all fighters engaged in recapturing our independence. As boxers we have a strong culture of encouragement and through specific exercise relevant to our age and progression, we overcome symptoms, building back our confidence, strength, and self esteem.
The most powerful gift of Rock Steady, is regaining influence over the quality of our lives. No longer does Parkinson’s define who and what we are. We are all now “fighters”, hardened and brave with a tenacity previously undiscovered.”
-Bob Zipse
“The Parkinson Exercise and Wellness Center has had a positive effect on my quality of life. It has dramatically improved my physical, mental and overall spirit to face the challenges of Parkinson Disease. These results occurred due to the dedication of the entire PEWC staff and other member fighters.
Regarding the physical and mental challenges, every PEWC coach develops new and creative class activities. These activities test us - member fighters - physically and mentally. Every class is unique with new and varied routines that ultimately help us combat the progression of PD. PEWC is consistently introducing new routines that enhance the benefits for all their members.
The spirit of the PEWC can be found in the passion and dedication that is exemplified by the entire staff and member fighters. There is a sense of community unlike any organization I have been involved with in the past. There is a feeling of a true caring attitude found in everyone, staff and member fighters alike. My life would be far less fulfilling without PEWC!”
-Kent Kutnink
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