Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) Connersville has found a new home, ensuring the non-contact rehabilitation program will continue serving local residents with Parkinson's disease.
Earlier this month, Reid Health finalized an agreement to transfer the Connersville program's affiliation to local resident Nancy Hinds. Now named Punching Out Parkinson's Connersville, the classes are held at Crosspointe Biker Church, 1130 Baseline Road.
RSB helps to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) through exercise.
Jason Troutwine, Vice President/Foundation President at Reid, said the transfer reflects Reid's ongoing commitment to support the needs of residents and develop local partnerships to achieve that goal.
"We recognized how important this program is to the individuals and families it serves, and we worked diligently to find a solution that would preserve that sense of community while ensuring the RSB program's long-term sustainability in Connersville. We're very grateful to Nancy for choosing to be part of that solution," Troutwine said.
Hinds, a licensed nurse practitioner, is a Connersville native and business owner. Her father was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2022, and she saw firsthand how RSB helps individuals manage symptoms and improve quality of life. When she learned the Connersville program was in jeopardy of closing, she stepped in to help.
"The program has been such an important part of my dad's daily life for the last three years. It was devastating for him to not attend. This class is more than just physical and mental training, the friendship and bond is like no other. This community is important to the three of us," Hinds said.
Hinds had connected with former classmate Sara (Strong) Roque, who is the Director of Affiliate Services at RSB Headquarters, for support after her father's diagnosis. Roque, whose grandmother participates in the Connersville program, had suggested they try RSB.
When Hinds heard the program was ending, her first message was to Roque, she said.
"She had already started working on this too, so we just teamed up, reached out to the best person we could think of to lead the classes, and went from there," Hinds said.
Roque said in her role at RSB, she's worked with Reid's programs for years.
"Connersville is my hometown and my grandmother is a boxer in the program, so it's personal for me as well as my professional mission to help as many people with Parkinson's as possible," Roque said.
"Nancy wanted to ensure the community continued to have this resource. Without hesitation, she stepped up and we got to work on a plan for her to take ownership."
Tara Madden is the RSB-certified head coach for Punching Out Parkinson's Connersville. Hinds also recently completed certification to coach participants.
"Thankfully, Tara was able to attend the hands-on portion on short notice and help get this program going. She's been teaching exercise classes for years so this is her realm," Hinds said.
Roque said RSB is more than a program.
"It's a family. The physical benefits are amazing and are likely the reason many people maintain their abilities despite having a progressive disease," she said.
"But it's a special thing to be in a space where everyone truly understands what you're going through because they're living it too. The sense of connection and community is invaluable for everyone, everywhere with PD, but even more so in areas where few, if any, other resources exist."
Jesse Tittle, Manager of Sports Medicine and Reid Fitness, said Reid worked closely with RSB Headquarters, Hinds, Madden, and the Reid Fitness team to ensure a smooth transfer.
"We're proud of what this program has become and knew we needed to find the right partner to continue the mission," said Jesse Tittle, Manager of Sports Medicine and Reid Fitness.
"Our final class together included everyone — boxers, staff, and leadership — celebrating this new beginning."
As part of the transition, Reid is providing financial support and exercise equipment to help establish Punching Out Parkinson's Connersville and carry the program forward. A portion of that funding will originate from the Reid Foundation's Pro's Players FORE Parkinson's fund. The fund was established by the late Doug Kuntz who championed the RSB program and worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for PD.
"We're thankful for the support and help Reid has offered to keep this program going in our community," Hinds said. "I'm so thankful to the staff who helped my dad these past three years."
Roque noted Reid's coaches have been great to work with, attend the RSB annual coaches conference for continuing education, observe the headquarters classes, and consistently show they care about providing the best possible program for their boxers.
Punching Out Parkinson's, RSB, and Reid worked closely together to help the transition move quickly and keep downtime to a minimum, Roque said.
Matthew Wright, Exercise Specialist at Reid, said it's been rewarding to watch participants grow more confident and more connected through the program.
"We're proud to have played a role in building the RSB community, and we're excited to see it continue to thrive in Connersville," Wright said.
