on 5/29/2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
We got involved as it has taken a toll due to Parkinson’s and we provide one on one boxing training that are USA certified and we match individuals (also known as warriors) with gyms. We take care of the funding for that.
After seeing first-hand the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease and the therapeutic benefits of boxing workouts, Ryan Roach launched Punch for Parkinson’s. The organization helps to ease the burden of those affected by Parkinson’s Disease and turns them into “Warriors” by combating symptoms through the sport of boxing. At P4P, trainers create immersive programs featuring non-combat boxing, training, and exercise for those diagnosed with the disease.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
Punch 4 Parkinson’s is the brainchild of professional boxing manager Ryan Roach, who was inspired by boxing great Freddie Roach (his uncle), as well as civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, both who suffer from Parkinson’s. Freddie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 27 and credits the physical nature of his job (he trains professional boxers) and the hand-eye coordination of the sport for keeping his symptoms in-check. When Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, Freddie, who had been battling the disease for 3 decades by then, reached out to invite Jackson to train with him. Punch 4 Parkinson’s is a 501c3 Not For Profit.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I have always been around and helped people. I was in the USCG and joined the fire department. Once I started the charity, I realized the little things can help individuals with Parkinson’s. It is those things that we take the little things for granted that they cannot do daily. With boxing they can, and it has been my passion and drive. It gives them a more normal sense of life. If we reduce the symptoms by 30% it can help improve their lives for years.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
When individuals (warriors) come to us everyone has different goals. Some are in different stages of Parkinson’s; some are in walkers or wheelchairs. Each has different goals. We want to get them a little better everyday and have them live a little more normal life. Their normal is not our normal. It really helps them a lot and they take it with open arms. Once they start it helps their balance, and it is incredible for vocals. It helps with hand eye coordination and little things like walking around the house and not falling. Boxing helps them maintain more balance. I didn’t expect this to grow as quickly as it has.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Once someone is in our program they stay for as long as they like. We partner with gyms around the nation, and we raise money to help fund them to line up with a gym, eval and training.
Depending on the warrior, classes can be a few times a week, but it is based on their needs. They do improve hand eye coordination, motion, and overall fitness. It does wonders for people with Parkinson’s. Many do not want to come but once they do they wish they had come earlier.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Every individual we have come to has good experiences. It helps them get more active, but some worry they may be treated differently. Each person is treated like a fighter, warrior coming to a boxing program. Because that is what they are doing every day, fighting. We do not look at anyone differently and not like they have PD. They love that because they want to be treated equally. They grow personal experience with the fighter/trainers. They have a very personal relationship with trainers and love it.
One warrior said it is a huge game changer and slowed the effects of PD down. “When he got here, he could barely climb the steps to the ring,” Freddie Roach has said of Jesse Jackson. “After 10 days of training, he wanted to race me.” Both men attribute boxing with offsetting some of the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease.
Please see additional stories of PD Warriors here https://punch4parkinsons.org/success-stories/
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
Since 2015, Punch 4 Parkinson’s has raised over $1,000,000 and supported over 400 Warriors that battle Parkinson’s each day. The annual cost per Warrior for boxing support is close to $5,000. This is a significant burden on individuals, many of whom are close to retirement age, and it is not covered by insurance. The organization aligns Parkinson patients with a certified boxing training facility and covers costs associated with exercise.
A future goal is to leave no warrior behind. We have 200 people waiting and we need to get funded so we can assign everyone to a gym. It mentally and physically helps them, so we want to help them nationwide.
What events do you participate in?
We hold several events throughout the year including fight nights, charity golf events, family bowling, and our annual Gala. These events are the backbone to supporting our Warriors in their fight against Parkinson’s and spreading awareness about our cause. In addition, it is a great way to have some fun and connect with your community.
“Being active is 100% critical while living with Parkinson’s.” ~Charles I. P4P Warrior
How does this also assist the caregivers?
The healthier we can keep warriors, the longer the caregivers can avoid putting them in tougher positions. We hope to put less stress on the caregiver.
When I first started an individual asked me to be the voice for Parkinson’s. I did promise that person I would be a voice and help as many warriors as I can. I feel they are left behind at times.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
https://punch4parkinsons.org or info@punch4parkinsons.org
Biography
Born into the sport of boxing through his family ties, Ryan Roach founded Punch 4 Parkinson’s (P4P) after seeing firsthand how boxing workouts could reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and help those suffering from Parkinson’s live a more normal life. Ryan is the nephew of hall of fame boxing coach Freddie Roach, who is afflicted with the disease. With a strong philanthropic moral compass, Ryan leveraged his expertise in the field to start up P4P and offer support to the PD community.
Ryan is also a Lieutenant in the Boston Fire Department and a successful professional Boxing Manager at Fighter Locker. Prior to this, Ryan spent 8 active years with the United States Coast Guard and an additional 4 in the reserves. Currently residing in Boston with his wife, 2 children, and 2 dogs; he loves spending time with his family and helping the community.