A group of men living with Parkinson’s disease are fighting it with a non-traditional treatment.
John Williams was diagnosed 10 years ago.
“I got mine because I served my country. I got agent orange contamination from Vietnam."
Richard Mueller also lives with the degenerative disorder.
“I think there are some green lights that have been turned on for us all, and I think we're getting a great benefit."
About a month ago, TITLE boxing in Overland Park started a class specifically for people battling Parkinson’s. The boxing class is twice a week, for 30 minutes.
Williams and Mueller agree, it is a tedious treatment.
“After about one minute your fists each feel like they weigh 50 pounds,” Williams said.
It’s not your ‘typical’ support group, but it has all the elements for healing.
“You release frustration, in the mental part of it. The confidence level goes up. Their balance level goes up. Your hands, my feet, my eyes are all working together,” explained Danny Campbell, the Founder of TITLE boxing.
Dr. Rajesh Pahwa is a neurologist at the University of Kansas Medical Center and Director of the Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorder Center. He treats nearly 1,500 Parkinson’s patients every year.
“You're hitting something. You're actually using your strength to hit it. You're using your coordination," said Dr. Pahwa, who supports boxing for Parkinson’s patients. "I think in a way, boxing kind of completes a whole picture that will help with their Parkinson's."
Though it’s an incurable disorder that makes it difficult to move, speak and sometimes even think.
Parkinson’s is not stopping Williams or Mueller from stepping into the ring.
“I've hung in pretty well. I still play bad golf, but I played bad golf before I had Parkinson's,” Williams said.
Mueller added, “Don't sit around and wait for things to get better. Get active and get proactive."
For more information on this class, contact Danny Campbell with TITLE Boxing Club at (913) 433-2582 or at danny.campbell@titleboxingclub.com.
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Lexi Sutter can be reached at alexandra.sutter@kshb.com.
