Health Watch: Fighting back against Parkinson’s, one punch at a time

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Smiles and laughter fill the room at BFit and Well as warm-ups begin, but for many in the Rock Steady Boxing class, movement doesn’t come easy — each participant shares the same opponent, Parkinson’s disease.

For some, the battle is new.

“I got diagnosed in November of about 2019,” said class participant, Mike Stubbs.

Others like Willy VanHemert have been fighting for decades. He’s lived with Parkinson’s for 20 years, attends class twice a week, determined to maintain his mobility.

“There’s no cure for Parkinson’s,” VanHemert said. “That’s what I was looking for, but if it can keep me going without deteriorating too much, then that really helps.”

VanHemert’s wife and caregiver, Rose, has been by his side every step of the way.

“It was kind of a shock,” Rose said. “He had been struggling with skiing and working harder, but not being able to balance as well and kind of losing strength and also some tremors.”

At 80 years old, Dick Towers, another fighter in the class was diagnosed in 2014 and has been boxing for three years now.

“It makes you focus better on the things that are important for you to do,” Towers said.

The physical benefits of boxing for Parkinson’s are well-documented, including improved balance, strength, and coordination.

“The research consistently shows that exercise is really important for people with Parkinson’s,” said Rock Steady Boxing coach Alaena Bateman. “[Not just for] daily functioning, but it can even slow the progression.”

But Parkinson’s affects more than just movement. It isolates, frustrates, and takes away things people once did with ease.

“Movement has become more of a problem,” VanHemert acknowledged.

That’s why the Rock Steady Boxing class is about more than just exercise — it’s about connection.

“Most of our minds are still working pretty good,” Stubbs shared. “It’s just being able to express ourselves and people just being respectful, knowing that we talk a little bit different.”

Towers agreed.

“The most important thing about it, I think, is the camaraderie here and just the lack of judgment,” Towers said.

And when the gloves come off, the friendships don’t end.

“We also go out for lunch once every two or three weeks,” VanHemert said. “That’s really a positive get-together that we do on a regular basis, which we wouldn’t do if we weren’t part of this group.”

“It gives us a community,” Rose added.

For these fighters, every class is proof that Parkinson’s may be a tough opponent, but they refuse to go down without a fight.

“Having Rock Steady really helps you find yourself again,” Rose said.

Rock Steady Boxing classes are offered twice a week for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Participants must complete a screening and fitness evaluation with BFit and Well before joining.

Join BFit and Well for a fundraiser at Dave and Buster’s in the Dimond Mall on Thursday, March 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Your ticket or donation directly supports scholarships for seniors in need and state-of-the-art equipment for their Brain Health Fitness Program. Click here for more information.

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