An interview with Chris Timberlake, Director of Training and Education Rock Steady Boxing, Inc. on June 26, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Chris Timberlake has been a care partner for Thomas for 23 years, during the first few years of his diagnosis at age 36, there were few resources to help increase his quality of life beyond medication. The idea of exercise for Parkinson’s disease was not yet on the horizon, and the support groups he attended seemed to dwell on the inevitability of decline and suffering associated with Parkinson’s Disease. He quickly became depressed and deconditioned, as Parkinson’s took advantage of his inactivity. It wasn’t until 2006 that he discovered Rock Steady (in its infancy) and began vigorous exercise, which immediately improved both his emotional and physical state.
Having witnessed the transformative power of exercise for Parkinson’s, Chris became involved in Rock Steady as a volunteer immediately after Thomas joined the group. She stepped away from her job as a Custom Jewelry Designer and ultimately became an employee of Rock Steady and is now the Director of Training and Education. She still serves as a Head Coach at Rock Steady. Chris’s “Why” is to help provide resources for people with Parkinson’s disease on the day of diagnosis, so they don’t have to experience the hopelessness she witnessed Thomas experience prior to his discovering Rock Steady.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2000. I joined Rock Steady in 2006 (when our first location opened) as his care partner and as a volunteer to assist in classes.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
Rock Steady is a non-profit Organization, (not a Foundation) with over 800 Affiliate locations across the US and 17 Countries Internationally.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion for RSB began as I witnessed what exercise can do to help improve the Quality of Life for people with PD. RSB is not a research facility dedicated to finding a cure for PD. We are an exercise program helping people live their best quality of life, today.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
Improved Quality of Life and maintaining Function. Avoiding disability.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
RSB offers multiple types of training for Fitness Professionals, Clinicians, Assistant Coaches, Volunteers, Students, and each is different in length.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Increased QOL
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
A future goal would be to expand RSB to reach people with few or no resources and to also reach underserved populations.
What events do you participate in?
RSB Headquarters hosts multiple events each year for Fundraising, and a Coach Conference each year. We will be participating in the World Parkinson Congress in Barcelona next month. We are a present at events such as Senior Living Conferences, and Parkinson Foundation events, and collaborate with other Parkinson’s Organizations both Nationally and Internationally to name a few.
How does Rock Steady assist the caregivers?
At Rock Steady Headquarters we hold monthly care partner support groups, provide resources for additional (local) support groups, respite care, and memory care, and also encourage care partners to participate in classes free of charge.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Headquarters gym: 317-550-8487
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
“It is possible to live a full and meaningful life with Parkinson’s disease, with the proper resources.”