Participants in RUSH Copley’s Movement Disorders Program are benefiting from a community grant awarded by the Parkinson’s Foundation. The $19,000 grant to RUSH Copley Foundation supports services that help people with Parkinson’s, essential tremor and other movement disorders maximize their movement, coordination and quality of life.
“We are delighted to receive this grant and thrilled to offer this program to people with movement disorders,” said Alex Pope, vice president of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at RUSH Copley. “Exercise and physical activity can help improve their symptoms and mental well-being. We are proud to be the only exercise program offered at no cost to patients in our community.”
RUSH Copley’s Movement Disorders Program provides exercise and music classes as well as support groups to more than 75 people with Parkinson’s or other movement disorders — all at no cost to participants. The grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation supports six exercise classes and one music therapy session per week. Caregivers and care partners are also served by the program.
Exercise programs available in person and virtually help patients with walking, balance, coordination and emotional health. Music therapy increases speech intelligibility, improves respiratory strength and provides relaxation.
The Parkinson’s Foundation annually awards grants across the nation to further the health, wellness and education of people with Parkinson’s. To date, the foundation has invested more than $9 million to support these programs.
