For the past year, Upstate Medical University students have volunteered hundreds of hours at Empower Parkinson, an agency dedicated to supporting the wellness of those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the local community through a daily offering of exercise and holistic programming. 

Empower Parkinson started as a boxing class in Liverpool and has since grown into multiple offerings for people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, including support groups, caregiver retreats, dance classes, Aikido, cycling, tai chi, yoga, nutrition classes, non-contact boxing, and educational sessions as well as several programs connected with a local therapy practice including pole walking, and amplitude-based group exercise. 

Upstate physical therapy and medical students have been fixtures at Empower Parkinson this year after the charity was selected as Upstate’s Your Cause charity for 2024. 

Upstate physical therapy students hosted a 5K fundraising run that raised $12,000 for the organization and have consistently volunteered in the boxing program and at educational and social events. Medical student volunteers created a group called Parkinson’s Buddies and have regularly participated in the agency’s boxing program as well; hosted monthly "Game Days" and painting events and have followed up with participants who have no longer been able to continue with the program. 

Allison Krevolin is a third-year DPT student who has volunteered at Empower Parkinson since January and is one of the 5k organizers. She said the physical therapy students work individually with participants in the exercise and boxing classes, especially those who may need additional help. They helped create boxing combinations and utilize their knowledge of exercise to assist participants with form progressions and regressions. This fall, a group of PT students created an exercise class, coming up with a series of exercise stations that addressed things like balance, strength, and functional mobility. They also created and led a virtual exercise class for individuals who are unable to get to the gym. 

“I feel that this opportunity has allowed me to make connections with many of the participants that routinely use Empower Parkinson,” Krevolin said. “I enjoy arriving at the gym and being able to get to know each of the participants. Participating in each of the classes is by far a highlight of my week. This is such a unique opportunity to work with people with a condition that relates to our field while still being able to make an impact in the community.” 

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms of the disease include tremors, slowed movement, rigid musculature, poor posture and balance, decreased ability with unconscious movement, as well as changes in speech. There is currently no cure for the disease. Genetics and environmental factors are believed to be the chief cause of the disease. 

Student Ryan Pimm works with a member of Empower Parkinson in a boxing class.

Exercise can have a significant impact on living with the disease, such as improving motor coordination, sleep quality and gait and balance among other benefits. More than 100 individuals participate in Empower Parkinson programming; most are in their 70s, but individuals range in age from 40 to 90. 

Empower Parkinson board member Julie Lombardi, PT, DPT, an Upstate board-certified neurological clinical specialist, physical therapist and Health Professions faculty member, nominated the organization for Your Cause, which has helped facilitate student volunteer involvement. Lombardi said that the agency’s clients benefit from student involvement in many ways.  

“Since Parkinson’s is so isolating, the participants are reaping the benefits of more socialization and they really love it when the students come into their classes,” Lombardi said. “They get pumped up and they exercise harder, and they show off a little bit more. It’s really fun for them. This organization means a lot to me as a neurotherapist. Before this organization started, we would discharge patients from therapy and there was nowhere to tell them to go to continue with their wellness.” 

The group of about 30 medical students volunteering with Empower Parkinson is known as Parkinson’s Buddies. The group, which has received funding from the Advocates, supports people with Parkinson’s disease through boxing exercises and community-building events such as board game and painting sessions. Sanaea Bhagwagar, an MD/PhD student who founded the group last year said the volunteer efforts help students “understand the humanistic approach to chronic disease,” while gaining valuable insights into “effectively engaging with individuals living with neurodegenerative disease.” 

Bhagwagar said the experience “helps students cultivate advocacy skills and empathetic communication practices to help promote the well-being of our future patients.”

EP Executive Director Patrick VanBeveren, DPT, adds that the students have also been a rich source of suggestions to improve programs and class offerings 

 “I don't think that I can overemphasize the impact the student volunteers have made on our participants and on our program,” VanBeveren said. “Our boxers are always more engaged when the students are here and therefore, benefit more from their participation in the exercises. 

Because people with Parkinson's disease often become isolated and depressed, the student's social involvement offers a significant psychosocial stimulus that improves our folks' perspective on exercise and on life.” 

Lombardi said this year’s students are planning to lay the groundwork for student participation to continue with some long-range planning and input so that new student cohorts can pick up once the current ones graduate. Krevolin said her participation has cemented her desire to continue to work with this population after she graduates.  

“This organization is so special and provides amazing support, exercise, and other programs for people in the local community with Parkinson’s disease,” Krevolin said. “I am hopeful that this organization continues to grow and that Upstate students continue to be involved with working alongside the amazing staff and participants at Empower.” 

Adds VanBeveren: “Our participants love the student involvement and miss the students when they are unable to be here. The students are to be commended for adding us to an already hectic and time-consuming schedule.” 

Caption: Upstate students, front row, volunteer at Empower Parkinson and help the agency's clients in many exercise and social activities at the agency's Liverpool office.