Amherst – Today, April 23, 2026, New York State Assemblymember Karen McMahon and New York State Senator Jeremy Zellner announced $15,000 in state funding and cut the ribbon to welcome the new Boxing with Parkinson’s Program at the Amherst Center for Senior Services. The state funding secured last year by Assemblymember McMahon was used to purchase the equipment used for the program.

Assemblymember McMahon and Senator Zellner were joined for the announcement by:

● Melissa Abel, Director of Amherst Center for Senior Services

● Angelo Lorenzo and Greg Potter, Program Leaders for the Boxing with Parkinson’s Program at the Amherst Center for Senior Services

● Town of Amherst Supervisor Shawn Lavin

● Chris Jamele, Advancement Director at Parkinson's Foundation New York/New Jersey Chapter

Boxing with Parkinson’s is a non-contact fitness program using boxing skills to improve balance, strength, agility, coordination, and mood. It is designed to help people with Parkinson’s fight the symptoms by promoting full-body movements, confidence and support.

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year. Scientists believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors cause Parkinson’s Disease. People with Parkinson’s experience both movement and non-movement related symptoms. Symptoms can be managed through treatments like medications, lifestyle changes, exercise and in some cases, surgery.

Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, “The Amherst Senior Center offers a wide variety of supportive programs, and the new Boxing with Parkinson’s program is an important addition that will support the health and well-being of seniors in the Town of Amherst. I was honored to work with the Senior Center and our program partners to secure state funding to make this program a reality. Supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s is an important way to improve quality-of-life for the people of Amherst and Western New York.”

New York State Senator Jeremy J. Zellner said, “Most people know someone whose life has been affected by Parkinson’s: a parent, grandparent, friend, neighbor, or through their own personal journey. That is why programs like this matter. They reflect what community-centered healthcare can look like by giving people practical, evidence-based support to improve quality of life, maintain independence, and stay connected. I commend Karen McMahon for securing this funding, and the Amherst Senior Center for continuing to serve as a trusted regional resource through diverse and impactful programming.”

Melissa Abel, Director of the Amherst Center for Senior Services said, “Programs like Boxing with Parkinson’s are exactly why this Senior Center exists. We’re creating opportunities for people to build strength, confidence, and a sense of control over their health and wellness. It’s incredibly powerful to see participants support one another, push their limits, and rediscover what they’re capable of. That’s the impact we’re here for, and why programs like this matter so much to our community. We’re truly grateful to Assemblywoman McMahon for securing the funding to make this life-changing program possible.”

Town of Amherst Supervisor Shawn Lavin said, “We’re incredibly excited to provide this new program, Boxing with Parkinson’s, at the Amherst Senior Center. This innovative program offers more than just exercise; it provides individuals living with Parkinson’s disease a powerful way to improve balance, coordination, and overall quality of life. Boxing-based fitness is known to help manage symptoms and build confidence, and we’re proud to bring that opportunity to our community. I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to Assemblywoman Karen McMahon for her continued support of the Amherst Senior Center. Her commitment to our seniors helps make initiatives like this possible, and we’re grateful for her partnership in enhancing the well-being of our residents.”

Chris Jamele, Advancement Director at the Parkinson’s Foundation said “The Amherst Senior Center has become a focal point for wellness within the Parkinson’s community. They have a wonderful and popular support group. Adding the Boxing with Parkinson’s program opens new avenues for people with Parkinson’s to better address their symptoms and to extend their quality of life. We greatly appreciate that the Center recognized the need for these programs and filled that need. We look forward to promoting these offerings and continuing to work with the Center in supporting the Parkinson’s community. That this announcement comes during National Parkinson’s Awareness Month lends further significance to the program.”