The YMCA of Parkersburg’s Rock Steady Boxing program, designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease through non-contact, boxing-based exercise, recently received a $2,800 grant from the David A. Couch ALS Neuromuscular Disease Fund. Administered by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the fund honors the late David A. Couch, a Parkersburg businessman and former Wood County Commissioner who passed away from ALS in 2001. Established by his family, the fund aids individuals in the Mid-Ohio Valley battling neuromuscular diseases. 

“One goal of the fund is to keep the money in the community. We are so glad to have started the fund because it has enabled us to do that,” stated Jane Couch, wife of the late David Couch. Couch’s daughter, Debbie Amigo added, “Helping people that are here—that’s what we want. We don’t want it to go to some no-name organization where we don’t know where the money is going. Here we know where it’s going.” 

The Rock Steady Boxing Program is led by certified coach Emily Taylor. Classes are held in the YMCA’s Blue Room every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 7-week sessions. For more information, contact the YMCA at (304) 485-5585.