Echelon recently donated 20 Echelon EX 4S bikes in support of the YMCA’s Pedaling for Parkinson’s Program. The receipt of the bikes not only provides participants with newer equipment but will also accommodate program expansion and growth at the North River Family YMCA.
The YMCA’s Pedaling for Parkinson’s is designed to improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers. The program focuses on physical activity to help alleviate some symptoms of the disease such as tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement, trouble balancing or walking.
The program also educates patients, caregivers and the public on the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle after a diagnosis.
The YMCA currently serves about 78 Parkinson’s patients through its Pedaling for Parkinson’s and Rock Steady Boxing programs.
“We are so grateful to receive the bikes,” said Baron Herdelin-Doherty, president & CEO for the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. “We share a united goal with Echelon in raising awareness of Parkinson’s and making programs like Pedaling for Parkinson’s available to more individuals. “
“Every day I feel fortunate to be a part of a company that is centered around the strength that comes with movement and community,” said Jama Oliver, Echelon fitness instructor. “My personal
experience in watching my mother fight Parkinson’s Disease for 21 years has reinforced many times over the importance of a step, a ride, a breath, to take on our hardest challenges. We are privileged to be able to be one small source of support for the resilient persons affected by Parkinson’s.”