BOSTON, MA – Going for a walk by the Charles River is an activity thousands do every day in Boston at Artesani Park. But on this day? Every step counted towards a greater cause.
“It’s bringing people together and bringing resources together..no matter what state you might be in that they can use to better learn to live with Parkinson’s,” says Bob Deperon, Director of Community Outreach at Right at Home Boston Metro West. Living with Parkinson’s himself, Bob knows a thing or two about the impact of meaningful exercise. “Really the whole thing is living well with Parkinson’s.”
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, “Research shows that exercise and physical activity can not only maintain and improve mobility, flexibility and balance but also ease non-motor PD symptoms such as depression or constipation.”
So celebrating a 10 year anniversary with day full of movement? Sounds like the perfect fit to honor and encourage those living with Parkinson’s the foundation has been able to support.
“It’s emotional medicine,” explains Raffi Rivera, Owner of Rock Steady Boston Nonantum. “You’re physically moving but it helps your well-being overall.”
Jam-packed with demonstrations, the day opened with a dance-style exercises hosted by Anita Luck of All Movement Matters & Art Sullivan of Dance for Parkinson’s/JF & CS before diving into a boxing demo held by Rafael Rivera of Rock Steady Boxing Nonantum.
“With PD I think a lot of it is figuring out what they need to do to advocate for themselves so that when they’re speaking to the neurologist, when they’re at the exercise therapy session when they’re with the PT, they understand what their needs are better.”
What’s the vibe: Get outside & get active enjoying one of the best walking trails in Boston in support of those living with Parkinson’s.
Nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year in the U.S. alone – a staggering statistic that Bob refers to as the reason continued awareness is vital.
“Know that someone you know is dealing with or has Parkinson’s, you just don’t know it yet.”
It was a thought top of mind during the walk where supporters raised ribbons in solidarity and support for those living with Parkinson’s. The reward for all that hard work and movement at the end of the day? What better treat than ice cream!
To learn more about The Parkinson’s Foundation, visit their website.
To see more stories like this or if you have an event you’d like to pitch to Emmalyn to cover, email emmalyn@emmalynreid.com.
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Emmalyn Reid 