An interview with Erwin Lagcher, Parkinson Boksen Nederland: Beyond the Diagnosis: Moving Together for Parkinson’s Awareness
Biography
My name is Erwin Lagcher, and I am the founder of Parkinson Boksen Nederland and Parkinson Boxing International. Since 2017, I have worked to make specialist movement and boxing-based training more accessible to people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
Our advocacy combines awareness with practical action: we educate instructors, support accessible training, and connect people affected by Parkinson’s. Through Parkinson Boxing International, we are building an international network of professionals who believe movement and community can make a meaningful difference.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is helping people regain confidence, independence, and quality of life through movement. Working with people living with Parkinson’s showed me how much the right support matters, and it inspired me to build a program that reaches far beyond one training location.
What type of goals does individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
People often want to maintain mobility, balance, strength, confidence, and the ability to manage daily activities. Just as importantly, many want to feel understood, stay socially connected, and remain active participants in their own lives.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Our sessions combine adapted boxing, strength and balance exercises, coordination, cognitive dual tasks, breathing, and mobility work, with intensity adjusted to each person’s abilities and daily condition. A training lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes. For instructors, our certification includes a self-paced online theory program and a 10-hour practical training and examination weekend.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
It can help people discover safe ways to stay active, build confidence, and feel less isolated. Exercise is not a cure, but appropriate training and personal support can contribute to physical function and quality of life.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I want specialist Parkinson’s movement training to become accessible in many more communities worldwide, regardless of someone’s location. My goal is to educate more capable instructors, strengthen partnerships with healthcare professionals, and help people living with Parkinson’s find support closer to home.
What events do you participate in?
We take part in instructor education weekends, community awareness initiatives, professional meetings, and international networking opportunities. We have also been nominated for the Dutch Fitness Awards, which gives us another opportunity to bring Parkinson’s awareness to a wider audience.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
When a person with Parkinson’s becomes more confident and engaged in movement, this may also ease some of the day-to-day pressure on family members and caregivers. Our approach also gives caregivers a supportive community and more understanding of what someone may experience on a good day or an off day.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
You can contact us at info@parkinsonboksennederland.nl or visit www.parkinsonboksennederland.com. Our international platform is www.parkinsonboxinginternational.com.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Start by listening to people living with Parkinson’s and sharing accurate information about the condition. You can help through community events, inclusive exercise opportunities, volunteering, fundraising for research, or encouraging qualified trainers to build local programs.
Why is adapting to someone’s daily condition so important?
Parkinson’s symptoms can vary from day to day, so a good program must be flexible, observant, and safe rather than expecting the same performance every session.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Effective advocacy starts with listening and treating people as individuals, not diagnoses. It becomes powerful when awareness leads to concrete opportunities, stronger communities, better support, and sustained action.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
Make fundraising personal, transparent, and easy to join by connecting real stories with clear research goals. Local events, collaborations between organizations, and recurring donations can all help support credible Parkinson’s research while keeping awareness visible.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I value strength training, regular movement, recovery, breathing exercises, and making time to recharge. I believe these should complement—not replace—evidence-based medical care, and that any training or complementary approach should suit the individual.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Parkinson’s affects not only the person diagnosed but also families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities. Greater understanding creates more inclusive communities, better support, and stronger momentum for research toward a cure.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
My commitment to Parkinson’s advocacy is rooted in the people I have met and supported through my work. Luckily no relatives affected.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
If I had to choose one song to represent my approach to life, it would be “Everybody wants to rule the world” by Tears for Fears. To me, it captures determination, resilience, and the decision to keep moving forward even when the journey is difficult.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
A diagnosis may change your path, but it does not take away your potential. Keep moving, keep connecting, and never underestimate the strength of taking one step forward together.
TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
Would you like to share your journey! Reach out and together our Voices are so much STRONGER!