Fighting Back Against Parkinson's

Fighting Back Against Parkinson's

Transforming lives through the power of boxing

OUR STORY

The Origin Story

The Inspiration

Punch 4 Parkinson's is the brain-child of professional boxing manager Ryan Roach, who was inspired by boxing great Freddie Roach (his uncle), as well as civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, both who suffer from Parkinson's.

The Connection

Freddie was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 27 and credits the physical nature of his job (he trains professional boxers) and the hand-eye coordination of the sport for keeping his symptoms in-check.

The Transformation

When Jesse Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2017, Freddie, who had been battling the disease for 3 decades by then, reached out to invite Jackson to train with him.

"When he got here, he could barely climb the steps to the ring," the elder Roach has said of Jackson. "After 10 days of training, he wanted to race me." Both men attribute boxing with offsetting some of the devastating effects of Parkinson's disease.

WHAT WE DO

Our Mission

After seeing first-hand the devastating effects of Parkinson's disease and the therapeutic benefits of boxing workouts, Ryan Roach launched Punch for Parkinson's.

The organization helps to ease the burden of those affected by Parkinson's Disease and turns them into "Warriors" by combating symptoms through the sport of boxing.

At P4P, trainers create immersive programs featuring non-combat boxing, training, and exercise for those diagnosed with the disease.

Our Mission

WHO WE SUPPORT

Who We Support

Parkinson's Disease Warriors

We support individuals battling Parkinson's Disease through specialized boxing training programs.

Multiple Sclerosis Warriors

We extend our support to those fighting Multiple Sclerosis, providing them with the same transformative boxing programs.

HOW IT WORKS

How Boxing Helps

Coordination

Improves hand-eye coordination and motor skills essential for daily living.

Movement

Enhances balance, flexibility, and range of motion through dynamic movements.

Strength

Builds muscle strength and endurance to combat physical decline.

Cognitive

Supports mental clarity, focus, and cognitive function through strategic training.

Community

Creates supportive connections and camaraderie among Warriors fighting together.

LEADERSHIP

Our Leadership

Ryan Roach

Ryan Roach

President & Founder

Born into the sport of boxing through his family ties, Ryan Roach founded Punch 4 Parkinson's (P4P) after seeing firsthand how boxing workouts could reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and help those suffering from Parkinson's live a more normal life.

Ryan is nephew of hall of fame boxing coach Freddie Roach, who is afflicted with the disease. With a strong philanthropic moral compass, Ryan leveraged his expertise in the field to start up P4P and offer support to the PD community.

Ryan is also a Lieutenant in the Boston Fire Department and a successful professional Boxing Manager at Fighter Locker. Prior to this, Ryan spent 8 active years with the United States Coast Guard and an additional 4 in the reserves. Currently residing in Boston with his wife, 2 children, and 2 dogs; he loves spending time with his family and helping the community.

Join the Mission

Help us transform lives through the power of boxing. Every contribution makes a difference.