Looking for the Helpers: Parkinson’s patients take boxing lessons
As our area is faced with ongoing changes due to a growing pandemic, we are bringing stories of people doing good in the community during a time of uncertainty.
Help us look for the helpers!
Rock Steady Again
The helpers are also people who are staying resilient and positive during this pandemic despite all of the challenges we are all facing.
Today we give a shout out to Paragon Academy and its Rock Steady Boxing program.
Rock Steady is a boxing workout tailored for people living with Parkinson's disease in our community.
Back in March, Paragon in Goleta and Santa Barbara had to shut down because of COVID-19. And all these people who had been boxing for many years together had to go home.
They were out of the gym for four months, boxing via Zoom and YouTube but missed the camaraderie.
But now they are back!
Rock Steady boxing coach Angie Ruccio says they were moving a bit slower at first, but now they are getting back to where they were before.
"Exercise has been proven to slow the progression of parkinson's so this program is really really important to get everyone to keep moving and fight this disease," said Angie Ruccio, Rock Steady Boxing Coach. "It's just amazing to be back together and see their spirits kind of rise up again, I love that."
Paragon is taking precautions to keep them all safe. They are boxing outside, with masks, their own boxing equipment and staying six feet apart.
Know of any other helpers making a difference during these trying times? Send Alys an email and let her know!
