The fighter of the month highlights the inspiring story of a boxer participating in the Rock Steady Boxing program. They share what they are doing to fight back against Parkinson’s.
June Fighter of the Month
Meet Jan
Jan is chosen as the June Fighter of the Month because she is an incredible person and inspiration to everyone in the group. She never gives up the fight and has a tremendously powerful punch that makes Parkinson’s quake in it’s boots! With her dedication and drive, she inspires men and women alike to go hard in their workouts. Not only does she give it her all, but her and her wonderful husband Ken volunteer to help others with Parkinson’s get a safe workout! Jan (and Ken) give heart to our Rock Steady Boxing Program!
First and Last name: Janet (Jan) Bentz
Boxing Nickname: “Jabbin Jan Bentz”
How long have you been a member?: Since July 2017
How long have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?: Since July 2017
In what way has participating in Rock Steady Boxing or other classes with Synapse Fitness Foundation impacted you?: “Knowing I am limited myself, I’ve learned to be more patient and kind with others who have similar limitations. I knew nothing about PD and my dr gave me no encouragement or hope. RSB has given me both. I feel I have developed life long friendships with many people I never knew existed just three short years ago. The current pandemic has made me aware of just how much we all need each other.”
What’s your favorite exercise, activity or boxing move?: “Boxing is without a doubt my favorite part of the exercise program. It helps reduce tension and anxiety, along with making me stronger, both mentally and physically.”
What keeps you coming back for more?: “Friendships with people who encourage accountability and the positive and physical results I’ve experienced in the workouts.”
Other comments: “I have worked out in other gyms on my own, but without the proper coaching, training and people contact, it’s just another day at the gym. This RSB Lebanon program, with our very special Coach Kelly leading us in enthusiastic, sweaty, challenging workouts has been a continual life changing experience. Sometimes after a difficult day at the RSB gym, I joke that RSB really stands for REALLY SWEATY BROAD (smile).”
May Fighter of the Month
Meet Gary
Gary is chosen as the May Fighter of the Month because he is an unbelievably hard worker with a great sense of humor! Not only does Gary participate in Rock Steady Boxing but he also has pushed to continually increase his physical activity through participating in PWR!Moves, Loud Crowd classes, dual-task training, Tai Chi, and warm water exercises. He also restarted the Lebanon Parkinson’s Support group to provide a place where people in Lebanon can connect, share and learn. He stays busy and keeps showing up to give Parkinson’s the jab-cross-hook because he knows staying active is the only way to maintain his mobility. We always enjoy his funny quips and his ability to poke fun! Just check out his costume for Halloween!
First and Last name: Gary Bonham
Boxing Nickname: “The Great Googa Mooga”
How long have you been a member?: Since Summer of 2017
How long have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?: 4-5 years
In what way has participating in RSB or other classes with SFF impacted you?: “All the help you get from the people in the organization has encouraged me to be humble and look the bright side of life”
What’s your favorite exercise, activity or boxing move?: “The one, twos, one, twos”
What keeps you coming back for more?: “I like the way it makes me feel”
Other comments: “Kelly is a sweetheart, she’s kind and takes her time to explain something. She’s a great leader!”
