For Immediate Release

Lynchburg Community Raises Over $6,500 to Fight Parkinson’s on World Parkinson’s Day

Lynchburg, VA — April 17, 2026 — On World Parkinson’s Day, the Lynchburg community came together at the YMCA of Central Virginia to raise over $6,500 for Rock Steady Boxing, nearly doubling last year’s total and directly supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

With up to 150 attendees, the event highlighted the strength, resilience, and community surrounding individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

Held at the YMCA on Old Forest Road, the evening was filled with live music, fellowship, and energy. While guests participated in a silent auction, Rock Steady boxers took center stage, working through punching combinations alongside volunteers in a powerful demonstration of their progress, strength, and determination. The event also featured a high-energy Punchathon, where hundreds of punches were thrown in support of the program.

In recognition of World Parkinson’s Day, Liberty University lit the Freedom Tower red, standing in support of those living with Parkinson’s and the work being done through programs like Rock Steady Boxing.

Funds raised from the event directly support the Rock Steady Boxing program at the YMCA of Central Virginia, helping provide essential training equipment like gloves, which are heavily used throughout sessions, and investing in continued education for coaches to better serve participants with specialized techniques. A portion of the funds will also support Rock Steady Boxing headquarters, helping advance resources, training, and support for programs around the world.

Rock Steady Boxing at the YMCA of Central Virginia currently serves approximately 30 participants, offering a non-contact, boxing-based fitness program that helps individuals with Parkinson’s improve balance, strength, and overall quality of life. The program is held at the YMCA on Old Forest Road on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and continues to welcome new participants.

For many participants, the program is more than exercise, it’s a way to stay independent, connected, and in control.

Participant Ben Noyes shared the progress he has experienced through Rock Steady Boxing.

“There is a way to be able to slow down the progression, and there is a group of people out there that are doing the same thing and spending time together and learning from each other,” he said. “I came into Rock Steady in stage one Parkinson’s, and after five years I’m still in stage one, and that is the biggest victory a Parkinson’s person can have.”

Participant Pat Nelson spoke to the sense of control and community the program provides.

“I feel like there’s something I can do. It’s not a sentence,” she said. “There’s something I can control… It’s better than doing it alone. If I had to do it alone, I probably wouldn’t do it.”

Programs like Rock Steady Boxing reflect the YMCA’s broader commitment to community health, creating spaces where individuals can keep moving, stay connected, and continue doing the things they love.

For more information about Rock Steady Boxing or to get involved, contact Terry Brame at 434-238-3581.

About the YMCA of Central Virginia

For 170 years, the YMCA of Central Virginia has been a place where people come to grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body. As one of the oldest YMCAs in the nation, we serve thousands of individuals and families each year through programs that support youth development, healthy living, and community health.

From a child’s first swim lesson to a cancer survivor rebuilding strength, to a neighbor finding connection in a group fitness class, the Y is where real life happens, together. As a nonprofit, we are committed to making sure everyone has access to the programs and support they need to thrive.

Our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

There’s no place like this place.