Our Mission

Our mission is to help people impacted by Parkinson's live their best lives through exercise, education, and awareness.

Our Story

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, everything shut down—including the exercise programs that had become a lifeline for people living with Parkinson's disease. Several Rock Steady Boxing participants reached out to Coach Chad, sharing that without regular exercise, their Parkinson's symptoms were returning and they needed a way to keep fighting back.

In June 2020, four boxers met at Cumberland Park with one simple goal: to keep moving. There were no memberships, no fees, and no facility—just a small group determined to support one another when there were few other options. Word quickly spread, and more people living with Parkinson's joined the workouts. What started as four people in a park grew into a community.

As the group expanded, we were asked to leave the park. Covenant Church in West Lafayette generously opened its parking lot so we could continue meeting. When winter approached, it became clear we needed a permanent home. After searching unsuccessfully for a space to rent, we made the bold decision to open our own gym—and BOXFIT was born.

To help keep the doors open, we added fitness boxing classes for the community. While that allowed us to continue serving people with Parkinson's, we eventually realized our true calling wasn't running a traditional gym. Our mission had always been to improve the lives of those impacted by Parkinson's disease.

That realization led us to begin the process of becoming a nonprofit organization. Along the way, we faced another challenge when a significant rent increase forced us to relocate. Despite every obstacle, our commitment to the Parkinson's community never changed.

Today, Lafayette Area Parkinson's Support exists to do far more than provide Rock Steady Boxing classes. Our vision is to create a comprehensive resource center that offers fitness, education, support groups, caregiver resources, social opportunities, and programs designed to help every person affected by Parkinson's disease live their best life.

We believe no one should face Parkinson's alone. Together with our community and generous partners, we are building a place of hope, strength, and connection for the Lafayette area and surrounding communities.