Our Mission:
Knock Out Parkinson’s, Inc. (KOPI) is a dynamic 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to galvanize individuals living with Parkinson’s disease to fight back by participating in a non-contact boxing fitness program to improve their well-being in Rockford, Illinois.
Boxing has proven to be a wonderful therapeutic activity for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Boxing is not only an excellent activity for dealing with the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but also the support and bond that forms between the participants is priceless. We are looking for assistance to keep this program going at Core Combat Sports.
Current Events & News
January Challenge Exercises 1 of 2
January Challenge Exercises 2 of 2
New Merch Released!
Past Events
Parkinson’s IQ + You
Many of our class participants attended a free educational event presented by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for the Parkinson's community in Chicago. Click here for more information and to register.
We were out in full swing for the Don’t Be Next Foundation Golf Classic at Macktown Golf Course on July 23, 2022. Thank you to the Don’t Be Next Foundation for organizing this amazing event. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to benefit our community.
Thank you to Lucha Cantina for hosting our April social fundraising event to spotlight Parkinson’s Awareness Month!
Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease. This is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. Parkinson’s research continues not only nationally but also locally at the UIC School of Medicine in Rockford. Rockford scientists have made promising steps in research.
Thanks to word of mouth and your support, program participation has doubled since last year.
KOPI & Mary’s Market Cares November Fundraising Event
Mary’s Market generously hosted our first social fundraising event on November 9, 2021. We had a great turnout and it was wonderful to see the participants, their families, and friends get together.
We received a generous donation from the Carol Mae Warner Family Endowment Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois in July 2021.
We are grateful for this support and will use these funds to continue promoting class membership (up to 18 people this week!) while maintaining gym space.
Listen to Ron Lund, KOPI founding member, share his perspective on K-Love Radio about how our program generates resiliency and builds camaraderie among participants.
Watch 23 WIFR interview Coach Tim and boxer John about the fight against Parkinson’s, including the neurological, physical and psychological benefits of boxing.
Good Day Stateline joined KOPI for a boxing class. Click here to see the full story on Facebook.
Extending a Warm Welcome to Our Female Boxers!
We welcomed our first female class participants to the KOPI family!
"Sure they say we (women) are life givers not takers, but guess what, most women can multi-task and be life givers and fighters.
Boxing is not a life-taking sport. Boxing is not a violent sport; it's an art, a dance, a science.
Sometimes the smarter boxer wins and sometimes the stronger boxer wins. Of course aggression is a feminine quality. It's a quality that exists in human beings whether they are men or women."
~ Sonya Lamonakis, heavyweight boxer
WIFR Visits KOPI During a Training Session. Click here to view the full story.
