After her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, Terri Keckler discovered the exercise programs she needed — and much more — in the Movement Disorders Program at Rush Copley.
Terri, now 62 and retired, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in late 2022. Because exercise is crucial to managing the symptoms of that disease, she began looking at exercise programs. Her neurologist, Matthew Wodziak, MD, recommended the program at Rush Copley. When she looked into it, Terri was impressed to see how many different programs are offered to patients with Parkinson’s — all at no cost to participants. The programs are completely supported by philanthropy through Rush Copley Foundation.
She was eager to get involved because she was feeling “a little lazy.” Prior to her diagnosis, she was an active volunteer — until her symptoms made it difficult to continue. She wanted to do something for her health and to fill that void.
Slowing progression of Parkinson’s
Before beginning the program, she was evaluated and placed at level II for those who are more independent and need less assistance. She began taking exercise classes on Tuesday and Thursday. Then she learned about a cycling class on Monday and began doing that and then about the music therapy session, which she also joined.
“I took advantage of all of them,” she says. At first, she would skip a class if she wasn’t in the mood but then realized that wasn’t in her best interest.
“These classes are important and they’re free,” she says. “Why not show up every time every week?” She renewed her commitment to herself to attend regularly.
Exercise definitely helps her condition, she says. The physical activity increases levels of dopamine, a chemical important to muscle movement.
“That’s something that people with Parkinson’s lack,” she explains. “The more you exercise, the more dopamine is released, and it holds off progression of our disease a bit longer. It doesn’t stop Parkinson’s and it’s not a cure, but it helps slow down its progression. It helps your brain and symptoms.”
Exercise and support
Terri is grateful for these programs and for the people who help make them possible, including Amy Joerger, who supervises group athletics at Rush Copley Healthplex, Cheryl Nelson Rerko who coordinates the movement disorders program, personal trainers Karl Bersamin and Diana Pacheco, and music therapist Linda Jedrzejek, MT-BC.
She’s also grateful she got to know the others in her classes.
“Everyone is in the same boat,” she says. “We’re all working to stave off effects as long as possible. We have respect, admiration and support for each other.”
Some of the other participants play pickleball outside of the movement disorders program, and they invited Terri to join them.
“I’m not a super athletic person but they encouraged me to join,” she says. “I discovered I absolutely love pickleball! It’s fun and it’s a fun group of people.”
She enjoys pickleball so much, she now plays three days a week. Added to the movement disorders classes, she has a full week of exercise.
“It has become not only exercise but a support group and friendships, too,” she says. “We’re there for each other.”
