Help for Parkinson’s Provides a Generous Donation to the Y, Enabling Expansion of Parkinson’s Programming

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Help for Parkinson’s has pledged a $12,500 donation, showing their continued support for the Saratoga Regional YMCA’s Parkinson’s programming in 2024. 

Over the last few years, the Saratoga Regional YMCA has offered several evidence based health intervention programs to help individuals manage symptoms due to chronic illnesses and improve their daily quality of life. Three of the nine evidence based health intervention programs offered at the Y are specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Help for Parkinson’s is a fellow nonprofit focused on aiding local individuals who are affected by Parkinson's disease, providing them with access to daily living tools, tips, and resources needed to live well today and tomorrow. Help for Parkinson’s leadership collaborate with organizations like the YMCA to give Parkinson’s a “seat at the table,” when building and improving upon health and wellness programs.

The relationship between Help for Parkinson’s and the Saratoga Regional YMCA began when the local Parkinson’s community support group requested to use space in our Saratoga Springs branch for their weekly brain-training and movement meetings that help to combat the progression of the disease. From there, the relationship grew. The Y now offers three programs for people with Parkinson’s—Pedaling for Parkinson’s, PWR! Moves and, the most recent addition, Rock Steady Boxing. These evidence based health intervention programs operate as a national movement for the Parkinson’s community. The Saratoga Springs branch of the YMCA has a current average of 12-15 participants per class, taught by Certified Instructors and offered free-of-charge to qualifying members.

Help for Parkinson’s President—and longtime YMCA member—Steve Hovey commented on the growing relationship between chronic-disease management and prevention, and wellness. “An important aspect of living well with Parkinson's is remaining social and being part of a community of folks who care. You can't get that solely from a monthly support group meeting. That is why these exercise programs are so valuable, aside from the obvious physical benefits.” To continue their support of the YMCA’s Parkinson’s programming, Help for Parkinson’s pledged an additional $12,500 in 2024. “The Saratoga Y has been a great partner in helping us achieve our goal to help everyone with Parkinson's live their best possible life. We are so appreciative of the Y’s support and passion to help those struggling with this progressive disease.”

Steve Butler, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs branch of the YMCA, graciously accepted the commitment of support from Hovey and Help for Parkinson’s. “We are so thankful for this gift from the Help for Parkinson’s organization. Our health and wellness initiatives are just scratching the surface on all the YMCA can be for individuals struggling with movement disorders. A generous contribution and partnership like this will ensure the Y is able to continue impacting members of our community living with this disease. We want to be the go-to community space for hope and progress for all.”

To learn more about our Parkinson’s programs, other evidence based health intervention programs at the Saratoga Regional YMCA, or how you can help support these programs visit symca.org, or reach out to Saratoga Health and Wellness Director, Jamal Barrow, at jamal.barrow@srymca.org.