## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) # My PD Story ![Sara Romeo on a walk](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Sara-Romeo.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=PMHHMtlM) People with PD ## Sara Romeo A while back, I started to notice a difference in my body. After a two-year search to identify and diagnose my [symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms"), I finally got a confirmed [diagnosis](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed") of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in September 2021. This diagnosis was not unexpected, as my older brother had passed away with Parkinson’s five years earlier. My brother had lived with PD for more than 30 years, and he introduced me to the Parkinson’s Foundation. After I received my diagnosis, I immediately began to search for a gym where I could get out of the house and get some [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise"). I was in touch with the Jewish Community Center in Tampa but had not yet joined any of their programs. By the end of September, I became a member of the Jewish Community Center’s Philip Shayman Parkinson’s Program and began the Rock Steady Boxing class immediately. I was not sure I could even participate in exercises due to my [low energy](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/fatigue "Fatigue"), lack of strength and [tremors](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor"). ![Sara Romeo at a picnic gathering](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Sara-Romeo-gathering.jpg?itok=IweDilQs) The first person I met in the boxing class was Sam Scaff, a volunteer who was coaching the class about boxing techniques. Sam is a retired heavyweight boxer who had boxed professionally. He was instructing the class on boxing techniques designed to help with [agility](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/bradykinesia "Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement)"), strength and [balance](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/postural-instability "Postural Instability (Balance & Falls)"). Sam had been volunteering for this class for over three years and felt it was a calling for him, even though he does not have PD himself. When I started the class, I was very tired and weak, but I instantly felt like this class was the right place for me. We met twice weekly, and Sam was always there to help us get the moves right. He was very reassuring, helpful and was always joking with me. We became good friends at the gym, but soon that friendship began to blossom. The JCC’s boxing class days became my favorite days of the week! With Parkinson’s disease you often lose [social ties](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health "Emotional & Mental Health"), but Rock Steady Boxing gave me the opportunity for not only exercise but also socialization with my peers. I have started a beautiful new relationship with Sam, and I also made many new friends in my classes who all share a common goal: BEAT PARKINSON’S! In October 2022 I had my annual check-up, and my neurologist was amazed at my incredible progress. My [gait](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/trouble-moving "Trouble Moving or Walking"), strength, [balance](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/postural-instability "Postural Instability (Balance & Falls)") and energy had all improved greatly. The Rock Steady Boxing program has allowed me to regain so much energy and strength that I am now able to socialize and maintain my relationship with Sam, as well as being able to play an active role in the lives of my three grandchildren. [Exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") is truly the key to managing Parkinson’s. I encourage my peers to challenge themselves to exercise daily — you will feel much better. Sam is still assisting the class with boxing techniques, and our relationship has grown into a wonderful and supportive pairing. Without the Philip Shayman’s Parkinson’s Program classes, I would have never met Sam or improved my physical and [mental health](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health/support "Getting Support"). I tell everyone that exercise is the best thing you can do for Parkinson’s disease. Sam and I walk, box and continue to write our bucket list every day. I hope you will too! [**Connect with your chapter to find your local exercise program.**](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") ## More Stories from the Parkinson's community ![Edwin Castillo headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/edwin-castillo-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=i2krUKZL) People with PD ### [ Edwin Castillo ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/edwin-castillo) READ NOW ![Tamara posing for a picture in a blue dress](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/tamara-zanvardine-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=T3TnAZYR) People with PD ### [ Tamara Zanvardine ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/tamara-zanvardine) READ NOW ![Gary Krajewski headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/gary-krajewski-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=jbMtYx20) People with PD ### [ Gary Krajewski ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/gary-krajewski) READ NOW [VIEW ALL STORIES](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ### PD Health @ Home Join us for new, weekly virtual wellness programs! Take part in one or all of our events that cover: mindfulness, interviews with experts and guided exercise. [VIEW EVENTS](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn