Knocking Out Parkinson's Disease One Punch at a Time!
Bravely Confronting Parkinson's Disease with Courage AND Determination. Join Us!
OPWF is a non-profit organization committed to raising awareness while providing real support for real people living with Parkinson’s Disease in Lane County. Start moving and feeling better today.
SERVING A CRITICAL NEED
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world. Here in the US, it affects over 1 million Americans and locally, it is estimated that 1,000+ Lane County residents are living with this disease. Research has shown that one of the best methods for combating the progression of PD is movement.
Our specialized classes combine physical and cognitive exercises to address key symptoms and fight back against Parkinson’s. Each session targets:
- Muscular Strength
- Motor Coordination
- Flexibility
- Brain-Body Connection
Ready to join our fight against parkinson's?
IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH EXERCISE
Meet Our Coach:
“Merci-Less” Lori B. Havas
After six years of teaching Parkinson’s classes in shared gym spaces, Lori witnessed firsthand how the growing Warriors community needed more than traditional gyms could offer. As a Certified Parkinson’s Fitness Specialist and ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, she envisioned a dedicated space where people with Parkinson’s could truly thrive. This led to the creation of the Oregon Parkinson’s Warriors Foundation—a welcoming hub where expertise meets compassion, victories (both big and small) are celebrated daily, and members rebuild their confidence through movement and community
Where Movement Meets Community: Our Warriors Gym
Our dream is now reality: Eugene’s first dedicated Parkinson’s fitness center opened its doors in the Fall of 2024, brought to life by the support of our generous community of donors.
Our Parkinson's warrior gym offers:
Group exercise classes for all ability levels
Non-Contact Boxing
Personalized one-on-one training sessions
A supportive, judgment-free community environment
Fun, engaging, research-based high-intensity exercise programs
A place where strength and community grow together
Words from our Warriors:
“I have been in boxing class for a year. The boxing class, with Lori Havas as the teacher, has become one of the most important parts of my life. It provides challenging, yet do-able exercises for strength, balance and coordination. Lori creates an atmosphere of support and fun that keeps us all going.”
-DON