Since my husband's diagnosis in February 2016, he has been attending the CLIMB in Noblesville. The various therapies he has received from trained specialists has included speech, physical, occupational, muscle alignment and strength, as well as emotional support and comeraderie by being with others facing the same challenges. The support we both have received through the Indiana Parkinson's Foundation is far greater than I can express in words.
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My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's in the spring of 2016. His neurologist recommended the CLIMB, and he started going two days/week, immediately after his diagnosis. He felt remarkable improvement to his mobility within the first month, and has said to me that the benefits go beyond the physical.
He is encouraged when he goes to the CLIMB, has made friends with others who understand what he is going through and they offer each other encouragement on a regular basis.
The therapists are very knowledgeable in their field and go above and beyond to help each individual. They are very encouraging to each participant. They make the exercise challenging but also rewarding because they make it "doable" for all who participate. They meet the individual where they are in the disease and help them at their level. I have seen a great change in my husband since the beginning of this journey and going to the CLIMB -- all very, very good and positive.
The Indiana Parkinson Foundation truly cares about those with this disease, as well as the caregivers. They offer monthly support groups for caregivers, focusing on specific topics each time. They are faith-based, and share their faith with others at the end of each exercise session with a brief devotion and prayer. Those who participate receive not only physical help, but emotional and spiritual encouragement as well.
The Indiana Parkinson Foundation turns no one away. They do charge a fee for participating, but it is only a fraction of the actual cost of running the program and providing the professionals who are passionate about helping those with this disease. They rely on donations and funds raised through fundraiser activities, such at The MOVE Race each year, for the balance of what is needed to meet their expenses and improve the programming.
I highly recommend anyone with Parkinson's to give the CLIMB a chance. I also would encourage anyone who has a desire to donate their time in volunteering their services, or making a monetary donation to a very worthy cause to consider the Indiana Parkinson Foundation.
I was blessed to have found The Climb about a year after my diagnosis of Parkinson's. I knew that I needed to do something more than take medication and what I have found at The Climb is a friendly, supportive, knowledgeable staff who teach and encourage us to keep working harder. My goal in joining the workouts at the Climb is to slow the progression of the disease, but I believe that some of my symptoms have even improved. I definitely have not noticed any significant worsening of symptoms since I started. I usually attend 3 times a week, and if I lived closer would likely show up every day. It is an inspiration to join in fellowship with many people who are fighting a similar battle, yet all doing so with a positive attitude.
The Climb is very important for the improved support system of those living with Parkinson's disease, both for them and their families and caregivers. It extends beyond to benefit the larger community as well. We all suffer from this together and the mutual support is essential for a hopeful, faithful living on the way to a cure. I love this support system of caring and I am glad there is not much boxing. Even though boxing is good fitness training and may help relieve stress and anger it is originalLy designed for breaking down the body of another person. Because of this fondational purpose for boxing it is not as inspiring for the larger purpose of building up the body, both of the person and the community. I feel great gratitude that we have found another path for creating a community and faith to encounter this disease and to slow progression.
'At the Climb the great things is the all the positive attitudes, and caring and knowledgeable staff and can't beat the price. Wish it was closer to our home as it is a 30 min drive"
" I come to the Indiana Parkinson's Foundation( The Climb) because it keeps me moving, the trainers are awesome, and sharing with the PWP's is helpful. I would rate the Indiana Parkinson's Foundation ( the climb ) a 5 ++++!"
Deb Williams
" Scientific research has shown that exercise is a key factor in delaying the progression of Parkinson's Disease. There are several institutions that provide opportunities for people to exercise, but very few focus exclusively on people with Parkinson's disease.
What separates the Indiana Parkinson's Foundation ( The Climb) from large commercial groups such as the YMCA, LA Fitness, Lifetime Fitness is the quality and dedication of the trainers. Many of the trainers have college degrees in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech and Hearing. Others have certifications in fitness, posture and yoga. All continue to get advanced training well as training others.
The Indiana Parkinson's Foundation ( The Climb) provides much more than group exercise because each person receives an individual evaluation which is updated on a regular basis. Another component is the support group activities which are both social and educational. In addition there is a spiritual component that occurs on a weekly basis.
In the final analysis, what separates the Indiana Parkinson's Foundation ( The Climb) from others is the quality and dedication of the trainers."
The Climb( Indiana Parkinson's ) is important to me becasue it givie me the workout, the inspiration and support I need in my challenge with Parkinson's.
I have attended The Climb for about 3 years and the benefits are remarkable. First, there is an instant bond with other folks who are struggling with Parkinson's Disease. Second, the trainers are exceptional. With a diverse group of people in a variety of stages of the disease, the trainers are excellent at modifying and also challenging the participants. Choosing to move is a phrase we are all familiar with and a necessary part of dealing with Parkinson's.
Finally, on a personal level ....Exercising had never been important to me, so when I started going to The Climb I just wasn't sure I wanted to commit. It wasn't long before I looked forward to attending and challenging myself to try things I'd never done before. Last September I ran my first 5k. It was the encouragement of the trainers and fellow PWPs (people with Parkinson's) that kept me training for that event. What a privilege and honor it is to be able to go to a place where you are accepted, can share and learn from others, and work to improve your physical health and be the best you can be! I love this place! The Climb
Deb