I want to commend you on printing a story about Rock Steady Boxing for people with Parkinson’s disease on June 29. It was very informative, however I am disappointed that the article originated in the Fort Dodge newspaper.

I was diagnosed in September of 2018 and it’s been quite a roller coaster ride to say the least. We are very fortunate to have Rock Steady Boxing at our local Y in Marshalltown. Thanks to support from local community leaders and leadership at the Y, we are able to benefit from this program without having to travel out of town.

Our instructors are very well trained in this program, and we get a great deal of information on ways we can physically fight this disease. We also received emotional support from them as well as our classmates.

Parkinson’s affects people in a variety of different ways, and each of us have different challenges. We are not judged by what we can or cannot do in class. The friendships we have formed with each other is vital to fighting this disease. We know we are not in this alone, and this class gives us one more tool for slowing the disease progression.

We not only have this program on a local level, but we also have a local Parkinson’s support group for those of us with Parkinson’s as well as our caregivers. Those of us in the Parkinson’s community are truly blessed to have these opportunities on a local level. Thank you.