Our FIGHTERS and the
ROCK STEADY way….
There is no better way to learn about the benefits of Rock Steady Boxing than to hear directly from our courageous fighters in their own words. Below are their stories.
Boxer
Paul Jabs
Paul Jabs was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago. The retired policeman says being part of Rock Steady has motivated him to stay in shape. ” I am not ready to give up,” Paul says.
Boxer
Mike ‘Pops’ Richards
Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, two years after he retired. Mike says people with Parkinson’s can maintain their quality of life for years by exercising and working out.
Boxer
Roger List
Meet Rock Steady boxer Roger List, of New Bern.
Roger went for years not being able to tie his own shoes….
Boxer
Sam Curry
Sam Curry, who is fighting back against Parkinson’s, talks about why he enjoys Rock Steady New Bern.
Boxer
Jim “Cap” Lee
Jim Lee of New Bern was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease about five years ago. Why did he get involved with Rock Steady? “I needed to fight back”, he says.
Boxer
Raymond “Stingray” Jaklistch Sr.
Raymond, a retired TV producer, diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he was 65, says that “in his opinion, taking part in Rock Steady’s regimented exercise program slows the progression of the disease”.
Boxer
Robert “Old Man” Maners
Robert, who recently turned 90, works out at Rock Steady twice a week. Robert says the program helps him with his balance and walking.
Boxer
Pearl Sumner
Pearl has been attending Rock Steady classes for about three years. Why does she fight back? She says she wants to keep in shape so she can “keep up with her three grandchildren”.
Boxer
George Booth
Meet boxer George Booth of New Bern. George stresses the importance of exercise in his battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Boxer
Melinda “Mel” Penkava Smith
Meet boxer Melinda “Mel”. Penkava Smith from Oriental, N.C. While Mel’s ability to speak has been affected by Parkinson’s , she remains a strong voiceon “Fighting Back” and the value of exercise.
Boxer
Mary Ann Southern
Mary Ann first noticed symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in 2016. The life-long resident of Craven County says she has 17 reasons for fighting back: -her husband of 50+ years
-her 4 adult children and, -her 12 grandchildren.
She says “I can’t give up. I won’t give up”.
Boxer
John Metzbower
John Metzbower was diagnosed with Parkinson’s eight years ago. He fights back because “he wants to live.” Rock Steady changed his life because it gives him something to work at, he says. “Rock Steady has been a blessing for me and my family,” John says.
Boxer
Sandy Williams
Sandy Williams, who is fighting back against Parkinson’s, talks about why she enjoys Rock Steady New Bern.
Boxer
Don Hinton
Don Hinton, who is fighting back against Parkinson’s, talks about why he enjoys Rock Steady New Bern.
Boxer
Russ Hirschmann
Russ Hirschmann, who is fighting back against Parkinson’s, talks about why he enjoys Rock Steady New Bern.
Boxer
Nancy Weimer
Nancy Weimer, who is fighting back against Parkinson’s, talks about why she enjoys Rock Steady New Bern.