Oregon Parkinson's Warriors Foundation

10/20/2026

10/15/2026

Wow! What an incredible day today was! Dr. Lisa Oei from SF Bay Area with PD-Connect, dropped by the gym today and who did she bring with her but the infamous Gavin Johnson! I was teaching and looked toward the door and in walks Gavin! What a surprise. Lisa, Gavin and I connected at WPC The World Parkinson’s Congress in Phoenix this past May. I love making connections! 🥰💜👏🏻👏🏻

10/13/2026

Sending a big thank you to Derek David and Kurt Eichorst for going above and beyond!! On Friday, Derek and Kurt met me at Eugene Car Car to fill the Redman dummy with foam. It was a laughable and exhausting experience! Once we opened the packages of compressed foam we had a huge pile to figure out how to get it all into the Redman. Now we need to name the Redman. Any suggestions?Here’s a video. 🤩

10/11/2026

Someone you love has Parkinson’s. How can you help?
Help keep the community that helps them keep moving.
At Warriors Gym, every Warrior has a story. They even have their own boxing names! But what they share is a determination to stay strong, active, independent and connected while living with Parkinson’s.
You may not be able to change their Parkinson’s, but you can help make sure they have a place to keep fighting back against its effects.
A gift to our Family & Friends Appeal helps keep this community here for the people you love.
❤️ Every gift helps. Every share helps.
Donate at opwf.org

10/09/2026

https://eugeneweekly.com/2026/10/08/climbing-beyond-limits/ Great article in the Eugene Weekly this week! Thank you Lily Reese and Eve Weston!

The broad crown of an Oregon white oak stretched into the foggy morning as four people clipped into tree-climbing saddles. Helmets secured, ropes threaded through a pulley system and feet dangling…

10/04/2026

A big shout-out to Chris Olson of Pathwise IT! He drove all the way out to my home in Leaburg to help me with my computer and printer, and I am so grateful!

When technology has you frustrated, having someone who knows his stuff AND is personable and easy to talk to makes all the difference. Chris is that person!

If you need computer help, I can wholeheartedly recommend him. His expertise, his kindness, and his willingness to make the trip were worth every penny.

Thank you, Chris! You made my life a little easier, and that means a lot!
Give Chris at PathWise IT a call, you will be in good hands!
📞 541-799-0734
🌐

Managed IT services for small businesses in Eugene, Springfield and Lane County, Oregon. Monitoring, security, support and planning from one provider.

06/01/2026

From Friday, May 22 through Wednesday, May 27, I had the incredible opportunity to attend and volunteer at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix — a global gathering bringing together researchers, neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, exercise professionals, advocates, care partners, and people living with Parkinson’s from all over the world.
What really struck me was seeing the amount of Parkinson’s research actively taking place right now. I know many people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners sometimes wonder if enough is being done because there is still no cure. What I saw was a tremendous amount of research, collaboration, and dedication focused on better understanding Parkinson’s and improving quality of life for those living with it.

I was especially encouraged by the number of young researchers and students entering the field. The research poster sessions were filled with people asking questions, sharing ideas, and working together to advance our understanding of Parkinson’s. It was inspiring to see so many bright minds dedicating their work to this disease.

The Congress offered opportunities to learn from researchers, clinicians, exercise professionals, advocates, care partners, and people living with Parkinson’s through presentations, workshops, discussions, and opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s to share their stories, art, music, and experiences.

I attended sessions focused on exercise, neuroplasticity, brain chemistry, fall prevention, boxing, dance, drumming, rhythm, and movement — all reinforcing something we strongly believe at Warriors Gym: exercise is one of the most powerful tools we currently have for living well with Parkinson’s.

As I sat through these sessions, I couldn't help but think about our Warriors. Again and again, I heard about the importance of connection, interaction, and community. Being around people who understand the fight, moving together, laughing together, and supporting one another truly affects the brain in positive ways.

It reminded me that what we are building at Warriors Gym is so much more than exercise classes. It is connection, support, understanding, and hope.

The next World Parkinson's Congress in 2029 in Quebec City, Canada. Will you come with me?

05/30/2026

https://youtu.be/r2xZeu0UZX4?si=dk1iKaX7znuCq_QY
This is the WPC experience

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/30/2026

https://youtu.be/OiazkWESnkI?si=rg3LQSeXZoPUFFET

Eugene Warriors, do you remember this song?

"You Are Not Alone," written by Rich Gootee from the Nashville Rock Steady Boxing community, was performed by the WPC Choir at the opening ceremony of the World Parkinson’s Congress.

As I listened, I couldn't help but think of all of you.

One of the greatest gifts of this Parkinson’s community is the reminder that none of us walks this journey by ourselves. Whether you are living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone you love, teaching, researching, advocating, or simply standing beside a friend, you are part of something bigger.

Remember this today: You are not alone. Not ever. 💞🌷💞🌷💞🌷

Opening ceremonies,

05/28/2026

Having fun at the World Parkinson’s Congress! The next one is in 2029 in Quebec City, Canada. 🍁 🇨🇦 See you there!