Bob Levy: Knock Parkinson’s Out!

Bob and Doree Levy are avid Westport Weston Family YMCA members.

They spend much of their time in the pool. But 3 years ago, he saw a woman teaching someone how to box.

She was Brenda Waldron, the instructor for a class of people with Parkinson’s.

Brenda Waldron, at the Westport Y.

Bob had never hit anyone — or been hit — in nearly 8 decades of life.

But he told Brenda he’d love to help.

Ever since, Bob has taught boxing to individuals with the disease.

The volunteers and 30 people with Parkinson’s meet Mondays and Thursdays, at 12:30 p.m.

Bob is not an expert on the disease. But he has seen the positive impact the class has on everyone involved.

“Boxing provides numerous benefits,” he notes. “It enhances strength, improves balance, and aids in memory retention. The coordination required to remember the sequence of numbers corresponding to each punch is particularly beneficial.”

In addition, he says, “the group fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and unity, embracing the ‘all for one and one for all; spirit of The Three Musketeers. This bond has made this group one big family.”

The group has also made an impact on Bob’s life.

“I am an old man now,” he says. “Since my youth, I have always believed that helping others is the reward.

“It does not cost anything to open a door for someone, greet them with a smile, or spread positivity.”

And it cost Bob just a few dollars to give his boxing class a gift.

The other day, for the third year in a row, Bob handed “Knock Parkinsons Out” t- shirts to members of the class.

The boxing class.

“Thank you Parkinson’s group,” Bob says. “I truly have been blessed.”

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Doree and Bob Levy.