YMCA Program Fights Back Against Parkinson’s

A special gathering took place at the YMCA this past Sunday, marking the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Rock Steady Boxing class, designed for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This seasonal session takes place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:15.

Rock Steady Boxing is an international nonprofit organization that features non-contact, boxing-based fitness curriculum designed to improve the quality of life for those with Parkinson's. Here on Marco Island, it has become more than a fitness class; it has become family. A family led by Jane Hansen and an incredible group of co-coaches and volunteers.

When Hansen was asked if she thought the class would become what it is today 10 years ago, without a pause she answered, “Yes!”

Though she was not present at the class’s inception, she became an indispensable part when Covid hit. A trained clinical social worker and public speaker on childhood trauma, her life’s purpose until then changed course; “This class saved me.”

Fitness had always been at her core and she dove headfirst into research and designing effective programming for those with Parkinson's. She learned everything she could and got her certifications. This class is now her life’s purpose.

Shining a light on the class’s founder, Patti Trixel, Hansen took the group back ten years when the Y provided the space, and Trixel paid for the equipment and then the coach’s certification. The class grew quickly, starting with a humble five and growing to a large 75 in just a couple of years. Hansen credits this growth to word-of-mouth, a powerful tool on the Island!

Over the years, Trixel’s generosity continued to cover the majority of the costs, but finding qualified staff to become certified was difficult.

During Covid, the Y was not operating at 100%, and they attempted to piecemeal a class together, but could not due to a lack of certified coaches. That is when Hansen stepped in and became certified. “A lot of people were involved in getting this program to be where it is today, but it isn't anything without you guys,” said Hansen, gesturing to the room filled with class participants.

Reilly Smith, Program Director for the YMCA, got involved in 2022, when part of her role was to oversee each wellness program. She met Hansen, observed the class, and knew she wanted to be a part of it. Volunteer, then assistant coach, and now a certified head coach, she beamed, “It's shown me the need in the community and how rewarding it is. I feel, as Jane mentioned, a purpose. I feel like I'm actually making a difference with my job.”

Going about the room filled with current and past participants, stories of success were shared.

Andy has been attending since the class first started, happening upon it by chance after catching a feature on TV. “Andy went online trying to find more and the internet broke because there were so many people looking for it,” said Heidi, Andy’s wife. They could not believe that this tiny Island would host this nationwide program. “I go every day I can!” Andy proudly stated.

Bernie and Carmine happily swore by the class. They were searching for something more, and once they found the class, Carmine became stronger.

“I’m improved.” He happily proclaimed, “I’m better.” Once struggling to get up from the couch, he can now get up like that, said his wife Bernie as she snapped her fingers with a huge smile.

Volunteer Sarah discussed how good boxing is for the brain. She shared how they work on balance, motor skills, and something a little different in each class.

A special tradition at the end of each season is the creation of a photo book, put together by Pamela Abrahamse, ‘class photographer’ and participant, that covers the class in action, group outings, and candid moments. The previous year's books were present, and Hansen was sure to point them out, “I keep it on my coffee table!” she said, giving the most recent book a hug, “It means so much to me.”

Hansen thanked the donors, volunteers, and coaches in the room for their valuable time and input that made the class a success. “This comes from my heart: I don't want anybody to be in the club, but you're in the club. And if you're in the club, this is a really nice group of people to be in the club with!”

Smith surprised Trixel and Hansen with The Harvey Award, a framed picture of class mascot Harvey the Squirrel, who formed an unlikely friendship with Abrahamse over the years.

YMCA Staff member, Lily, acknowledged Hansen’s selfless work in front of the group, “She is the glue. It’s on her own initiative. She deserves to be recognized.”

If the need arises for a piece of equipment or helpful tools for the class, Hansen spends her own money.

Lisa, from Rock Steady Boxing in Potomac, Massachusetts, jumped up to agree, “Jane is awesome! She pushes everybody. She runs the book on Rock Steady Boxing. She exemplifies the best.”

The class peppered Jane with compliments and a powerful show of admiration: “Jane really cares.” “We have to mention her music!”

For one who serves from the heart and not for glory, her emotion was visible, but she had to laugh, “Did I get any biopsy results and it's terminal? Because it kind of feels like it. Well, you better tell them, I'm alive!” Hansen joked.

Visit www.ymcacollier.org/parkinsons-programs to learn more.