Rock Steady Boxing in Carson City names its May Boxer of the Month
Submitted by Brett Fisher on Tue, 05/30/2017 - 4:51pm
Rock Steady Boxing of Northern Nevada, an exercise program designed to help those suffering from Parkinson's Disease, has announced its Boxer of the Month.
Rick Gutierrez was named Boxer of the Month for May 2017. Below is his story:
"I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease at age 50 in 2004 by my neurologist, Dr. Timothy Doyle, of Carson City. I was subsequently referred to Dr. Chad Christine, a movement specialist at the UCSF Neurology department in San Francisco.
"I first learned about Rock Steady boxing in November 2015 when my wife, Julie and I saw the segment on the CBS Sunday Morning show with Leslie Stahl. After watching the program, we went on the Rock Steady web site to see if there were any classes near us. Unfortunately, at that time the only classes in Nevada were in Las Vegas.
"We were so disappointed, because it looked like a great program. I hadn’t given it much more thought until I found a Rock Steady Boxing flyer in my Christmas stocking. Julie had heard about the classes Nina and Cisco were starting, from one of her fitness instructors at our gym.
"We started the New Year with enthusiasm and hope. Even though I had been going to the gym regularly, I was excited to start a program that was designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s, especially because it involved boxing.
"In the past, I coached youth boxing for the Police Athletic League (PAL) in Carson City. Julie and I observed our first class in January, 2016. Actually, I think we jumped in and joined the class that was in session.
"I can’t believe that a year and a half has gone by since joining the 'Rock Steady' program. Since joining, I have noticed improvement in my posture, strength, balance, agility, dexterity, confidence and effort.
"I have also noticed positive changes in many of my fellow boxers. Although the work-outs are difficult to say the least, there is an undeniable camaraderie and support you can feel from the moment you step into the gym.
"In fact, Julie, and our daughter, Elysa, were so inspired, that they completed the certification training in October of 2016.
"Despite the many hurdles, I have yet to overcome, I am very optimistic that there are game-changing breakthroughs in Parkinson’s research just around the corner, that will result in more effective treatments, and a cure!
"I am so grateful that Nina and Cisco brought Rock Steady to our community."
Rock Steady Boxing, Inc. is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based gym and nationally recognized exercise program established to help patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease improve their balance, coordination, strength and flexibility.
Rock Steady Northern Nevada is a Carson City-based affiliate of the national program that has now expanded with classes in Reno.
Like it on Facebook here, or visit the program's web site here for more information.
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