Boxing coach helps others fight Parkinson's disease

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – New research shows that nearly 90,000 people develop Parkinson's disease each year, with most cases occurring in southeast Texas, southern California, Pennsylvania and Florida. As this neurological disorder affects more and more people across the country, the need for supportive communities and resources becomes more urgent.

That’s why this week’s Be Remarkable award goes to a young man who is helping to make a difference for those affected.

His name is John Belgira and he is a boxing instructor and trainer at Rock Steady Boxing in College Station. His clients describe him as a coach who truly changes their lives by helping them stay fit and active.

Rocksteady Boxing is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease. The disease can be life-changing, but Coach John views each of his clients as a fighter and helps his clients discover their inner strengths through high-energy classes with gentle movement.

His positive influence is deeply felt by the course participants, including Lynn Ruoff.

“He's always coming up with new and innovative ways to get people to do things they think they can't do. But most importantly, he cares about everyone who's here,” Ruoff said.

In addition to medication, sport and exercise are particularly important for Parkinson's patients.

Coach Belgira says when it comes to battling it, rest is like rust and exercise is like lotion, a philosophy that has guided him since he started coaching in 2015. He says every day is a day he looks forward to at work.

“Compared to all my other jobs, I don't have to wake up and think, 'God, I have to go to work.' It's different every day and the most important thing I can do is train and help other people train and feel better,” Coach Belgira said.

The local branch of Rock Steady Boxing was founded by Cindy Conte, whose husband suffered from the disease. She told KBTX that Coach John has been a blessing to the program.

“God gave us this young man. He has been with us from the beginning. Without John, this program would not exist,” added Conte.

The “Be Remarkable” award is a joint initiative of KBTX-TV and Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers.

If you would like to nominate someone for our Be Remarkable campaign Click here!

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