Embark on a journey alongside Suzann as she navigates life with Parkinson’s, finding empowerment through her involvement with Rock Steady Boxing. This is the second of four blogs within the Rock Steady Boxing series featuring The Lakes at Stillwater in Stillwater, MN.

Before finding Rock Steady Boxing, Suzann was battling Parkinson's all by herself. “I found out in July 2021 that I had Parkinson's,” recalls Suzann, who felt completely alone with her sister living in Hawaii and her son in Montana.

“Before Rock Steady Boxing there really wasn't anyone,” shares Suzann. “I could stay in my home, in bed for days on end, and crawl right down into the rabbit hole and not go anywhere.”

This all changed when Suzann discovered Rock Steady Boxing at The Lakes at Stillwater, an affiliate program of Rock Steady Boxing, Inc. “I could come to this gym and be a part of a community,” she says. This reinvigorated Suzann’s feeling of purpose.

Rock Steady Boxing: A Holistic Approach to Parkinson’s

Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact, boxing-style fitness program designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson's. Founded in 2006 by Scott C. Newman, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's at the age of 40, Rock Steady Boxing has grown into a global community with hundreds of affiliates worldwide.

In fact, four communities managed by The Goodman Group provide Rock Steady Boxing classes. 

Rock Steady Boxing offers a holistic approach to managing the symptoms of Parkinson's by combining physical exercise, cognitive engagement, social support, and personalized training. By empowering individuals to take an active role in their health and well-being, Rock Steady Boxing aims to improve both the physical and emotional aspects of living with Parkinson's.

Suzann Fights Back

Suzann's journey with Rock Steady Boxing has been nothing short of transformative in her battle against Parkinson's. Immersed in a community of individuals navigating similar challenges, she found the tangible support she needed.  

Regular participation in Rock Steady Boxing not only strengthened Suzann's mental resilience but also improved her physical well-being. So much so, she's now empowered to pay it forward, giving back to the very community she credits for her remarkable progress.

Serving as a Corner Person

Suzann has stepped into a leadership role serving as a corner person for fellow boxers. 

“The idea behind a corner person”, Suzann says, “is to serve someone who has Parkinson's and is further along in their journey.” In addition to boxing in the earlier class, Suzann spends time in the afternoon class assisting a fellow boxer named Jan. 

“If you take a misstep or turn just wrong and you lose your balance, she's there to help you,” explains Jan. 

“I'm her cheerleader. I'm her number one fan. I'm her supporter,” smiles Suzann.

Although her immediate family does not live close by, the new family she has built through the Rock Steady Boxing program has certainly strengthened Suzann's resilience. Whether Suzann is serving as a corner person or participating in the class herself, she experiences a strong feeling of community every time she shows up.

“We are fighting this fight together in the gym with everything we've got. Whether we're just starting out or nearing the end, we're all in this together,” says Suzann.