BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — Every day, one million Americans deal with Parkinson's disease, and about 1,200 of them live right here in the Treasure Valley.
When the students of this Element Athletix boxing class put their gloves on, they're preparing for a bigger fight than any fight can be fought in the ring.
"They're fighting," said Scott Anderson, the boxing instructor. "They're trying to get better. Every day is a battle."
The opponent for these boxers is what's inside of themselves.
"It's a nightmare that you don't want to happen," said John Terrell, a Parkinson's boxer.
Parkinson's disease causes uncontrollable tremors, difficulty walking, as well as balance, posture and speech issues. So for many sufferers, boxing is the perfect medicine.
"Nobody wants to be called a patient so everybody that comes in is either a fighter or a boxer," Anderson said.
Most boxing classes are learning about pacing and how to control the fight, but in this class they're learning how to control their lives.
"I notice I've got more balance," said Joe Ziegler, another fighter. "(It) helps me get around the house easier. I can get around using a cane rather than a walker."
But this isn't just a boxing class for people with Parkinson's, it's also a support group.
"And we have a lot in common," Terrell said. "More in common than a husband and wife or a brother and sister."
They're family to each other.
"These people really mean a lot to me," Terrell said. "And this program means a lot."
You can learn more about the program here.
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