Our FIGHTERS and the
ROCK STEADY way....
There is no better way to learn about the benefits of Rock Steady Boxing than to hear directly from our courageous fighters in their own words. Below are their stories.
Boxer:
Paul Jabs
Paul Jabs was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 10 years ago. The retired policeman says being part of Rock Steady has motivated him to stay in shape. " I am not ready to give up," Paul says.
Boxer:
Mike 'Pops' Richards
Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2009, two years after he retired. Mike says people with Parkinson's can maintain their quality of life for years by exercising and working out.
Meet John Metzbower
John has been attending Rock Steady Boxing New Bern classes for several years. He says Rock Steady "has been a blessing."
Boxer:
Dolores "Sweetie Pie" Jacques
Meet boxer, Dolores Jacques, of Havelock, NC. Dolores, 87, says she is not a "giver-upper" and says she will not lose her fight with Parkinson's disease.
Meet John Metzbower
John has been attending Rock Steady Boxing New Bern classes for several years. He says Rock Steady "has been a blessing."
Boxer:
Roger List
Meet Rock Steady boxer Roger List, of New Bern.
Roger went for years not being able to tie his own shoes.....
now he is a an absolute FORCE in the gym, is a leader in his class, and has overcome many limited functions, like tying his shoes!
​
Boxer:
Jim "Cap" Lee
Jim Lee of New Bern was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease about five years ago. Why did he get involved with Rock Steady? "I needed to fight back", he says.
Boxer:
Raymond "Stingray" Jaklistch Sr.
Raymond, a retired TV producer, diagnosed with Parkinson's when he was 65, says that "in his opinion, taking part in Rock Steady's regimented exercise program slows the progression of the disease".
Boxer:
Robert "Old Man"
Maners
Robert, who recently turned 90, works out at Rock Steady twice a week. Robert says the program helps him with his balance and walking .
Boxer:
Pearl Sumner
Pearl has been attending Rock Steady classes for about three years. Why does she fight back? She says she wants to keep in shape so she can "keep up with her three grandchildren".
Meet John Metzbower
John has been attending Rock Steady Boxing New Bern classes for several years. He says Rock Steady "has been a blessing."
Boxer:
George Booth
Meet boxer George Booth of New Bern. George stresses the importance of exercise in his battle with Parkinson's disease.
Meet John Metzbower
John has been attending Rock Steady Boxing New Bern classes for several years. He says Rock Steady "has been a blessing."
Boxer:
Melinda "Mel" Penkava Smith
Meet boxer Melinda "Mel". Penkava Smith from Oriental, N.C. While Mel's ability to speak has been affected by Parkinson's , she remains a strong voice on "Fighting Back" and the value of exercise.
Meet John Metzbower
John has been attending Rock Steady Boxing New Bern classes for several years. He says Rock Steady "has been a blessing."
Boxer:
Mary Ann Southern
Mary Ann first noticed symptoms of Parkinson's disease in 2016. The life-long resident of Craven County says she has 17 reasons for fighting back:
-her husband of 50+ years
-her 4 adult children and
-her 12 grandchildren.
She says "I can't give up. I won't give up".
Meet John Metzbower
John has been attending Rock Steady Boxing New Bern classes for several years. He says Rock Steady "has been a blessing."
Boxer:
John Metzbower
John Metzbower was diagnosed with Parkinson's eight years ago. He fights back because "he wants to live." Rock Steady changed his life because it gives him something to work at, he says. "Rock Steady has been a blessing for me and my family," John says.