YMCA of Greater Nashua Awarded $15,284 for Parkinson's Cycling

Parkinson’s Foundation Grants More Than $2.2 Million to Local Communities for Parkinson’s Programs

YMCA of Greater Nashua Awarded $15,284 for Parkinson's Cycling Program

Nashua, NH, August 31, 2021 – The Parkinson’s Foundation today announced the recipients of more than $2.2 million in community grants for Parkinson’s programs across the country. Community grants support local health, wellness and educational programs that address unmet needs in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. The YMCA of Greater Nashua has been awarded $15,284 toward our specialized indoor cycling program designed for individuals with Parkinson Disease.

“We are pleased to be able to provide these community grants and to expand programs and resources throughout the Parkinson’s community,” said John L. Lehr, Parkinson’s Foundation president and chief executive officer. “Every one of these grant recipients shares our commitment to making life better for people with Parkinson’s disease.”

The Parkinson’s Foundation awarded more than $2.2 million in community grants, ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per grant application. This year’s grant cycle focused on three areas, including: programs that provide services for diverse and underserved populations, initiatives that reach the newly diagnosed and programs that address mental health and Parkinson’s. Of the $2.2 million being granted, $1.6 million will help fund essential programs that focus on diverse and underserved Parkinson’s communities.

“The YMCA of Greater Nashua was approached a few years ago about offering specialized wellness programming for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease,” according to Mike LaChance, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Nashua. “The Y has a number of healthy living programs to support individuals with cancer, pre-diabetes, arthritis and more so this work aligns with our area of expertise and commitment to fulfilling community needs. Specially trained staff and volunteers at the Merrimack Y offer a group exercise program for individuals with PD that focuses on “Forced Exercise” on an indoor stationary bicycle to help reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease and it is proving to be quite helpful to many individuals that take the class regularly.”

The indoor PD cycling program meets Wednesday’s and Friday’s from 11AM to noon at the Merrimack, NH YMCA starting in September and is available at no cost for the coming year thanks to the support of the Parkinson Foundation. This program is considered rigorous exercise and medical clearance to participate is required. For questions and information on how to register contact Kim Adie at kadie@nmymca.org As part of the community grant received, the YMCA of Greater Nashua will also be offering three workshops for the Parkinson Disease community of patients and caregivers over the coming year.

Since 2011, the Parkinson's Foundation has funded more than 580 community-based programs that help address unmet needs for people with PD. To see the full list of the 2021 community grant recipients, visit Parkinson.org/CommunityGrants.

About the Parkinson’s Foundation

The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $368 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care.

Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or call (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636).

About Parkinson’s Disease

Affecting an estimated one million Americans and 10 million worldwide, Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.

About YMCA of Greater Nashua

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. In 2020, the YMCA of Greater Nashua celebrated 134 years of service. Its facilities which are located in Nashua and Merrimack engage over 35,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Last year, the Y provided $760,000 in scholarships for more than 3,000 children, youth and families to participate in Y programs and membership. For more information about the Y visit www.nmymca.org.