Lack in Abilene resources inspires HSU’s new exercise program for people with Parkinson’s disease
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) just began a new program for people with Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder in the nervous system.
It’s an exercise program which allows patients to come into the fitness center and asses their focus points for the day with student volunteers.
Labrador puppies training to be service animals at HSU
The program stems from Lorraine Wilson, who received her diagnosis in 2017.
“It was seven years ago this month that I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and that kind of opens your eyes,” Wilson said.
At the time of her diagnosis, Wilson was working as a professor in the kinesiology field at Abilene Christian University. After finding out about her condition, she looked into what this would mean for her.
“We started some research on exercise and persons with Parkinson’s, and I learned more about how little is known in Abilene, and how little is done for persons with Parkinson’s,” explained Wilson.
Abilene native mother brings medical aid to refugees in Israel
It was a lack in local resources that inspired Wilson to become a local ambassador. She began with spearheading some community groups and hosting events, eventually working her way up to creating a program at HSU. She told KTAB/KRBC this program helps outside of just the physical realm.
“The exercise really helps delay the progression of the disease, as it does for all persons but especially in those early years,” Wilson detailed. “The exercise is good for a lot of reasons, emotional benefits, strength benefits. It’s all mind, body, spirit.”
The program has student volunteers, mainly studying physical and occupational therapy. For one student, Peyton Eanes, a junior Physical therapy student at HSU, it is a cause close to her heart from her personal life.
“My great uncle had Parkinson’s. For him, it was actually really hard, and he didn’t have a program like this that was able to kind of coach him and help him through it. So, I know it was very much a struggle for him. My goal here is to help these patients not have as much as a struggle as he did,” shared Eanes.
ABsolutely ABilene: Teen’s lawn care initiative receives heartwarming community support
Eanes was a long-time cheerleader, a sport which left her with a short-term paralysis. She said she wanted to pass along the mental strength it takes to recover, learning motor skills.
“I learned to re-walk without feeling through months of therapy,” Eanes revealed. “Whenever I finally got out of the wheelchair, I was like ‘this is what I want to do. I want to help other people not only physically, but also mentally get through their recovery.'”
Community leaders of Abilene put on ‘Curly Crowns Hair Supply Drive’ to help students of color
The program is free of charge to anyone navigating Parkinson’s Disease. To get involved you can call the Hardin-Simmons Fitness Center during their normal operation hours at (325) 671-2208, or contact 2-1-1 for all resources available in your area.
Per the Parkinson’s Foundation, early signs of the disease include the presence of tremor, soft or low voice, loss of smell, trouble sleeping, and more.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
