Longtime Manhattan resident, Rich Cohen, knew something had changed when walking a city block became difficult. Everyday Rich was experiencing pain throughout his body and frequently needed to stop and rest while doing activities that he had formerly done with ease. After visiting multiple doctors, he still didn’t have an answer for what was causing his symptoms.
That changed in December 2022, when Rich was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The diagnosis was shocking for Rich and his wife, Lisa. While the couple have long called Manhattan home, they also spend part of their time on the East End of Long Island. As they adjusted to Rich’s diagnosis, they wanted to make sure that being away from the city didn’t mean putting his care, progress or quality of life on hold.
A friend of Lisa’s, whose husband also lives with Parkinson’s, recommended the Center for Parkinson’s Disease at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital (SBSH). After connecting with the Center’s site administrator, Sarah Cohen (no relation), Rich, Lisa and Sarah worked together to develop a schedule of programs tailored to Rich’s needs and interests.
“We know that regular exercise participation and staying active is important for people living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Sarah Cohen. “It helps improve mobility, maintain functional independence and improve quality of life. My goal is to make it easier for our East End Parkinson’s community to find classes they love, while ensuring everything we offer is evidence-informed, safe and accessible to all.”
Today, Rich participates in chair yoga and Rock Steady Boxing through SBSH’s Center for Parkinson’s Disease — programs that have become an important part of Rich’s routine and his life on the East End.
“I feel I’m in the right area for my diagnosis,” said Rich. “I have more access to Parkinson’s-centered programs here in Southampton than I do in Manhattan.”
For Rich, the benefits extend beyond exercise. Rock Steady Boxing has given him a community of people who understand firsthand what it means to live with Parkinson’s disease. “There’s about twelve of us in my Wednesday Rock Steady Boxing class, and there’s a real bond there,” Rich said. “We all know a lot about each other because we’re all struggling with the same disease. We share a common connection.”
“I have definitely seen a change in Rich since he started participating in Rock Steady Boxing,” Rich’s wife, Lisa said. “I can tell that he looks forward to it each week and after each class he comes home with more energy and more positivity.”
For the Cohens, SBSH’s Center for Parkinson’s Disease has provided more than classes. It has connected them with a new community of friends, support and opportunities to keep moving forward after Rich’s diagnosis.
“The people we have met through the Center for Parkinson’s Disease — the resources and research we have been given — have helped us feel less alone,” said Lisa. “They even have resources and support for care partners like me.”
For the Center for PD, helping patients like Rich build these connections is at the heart of their mission. “One of the most important components of what we do here at the Center for Parkinson’s Disease is to create a community – a space to make new friends, build camaraderie and support one another,” said Sarah Cohen. “The social connections are just as important as the therapeutic benefits of exercise. Boxers like Rich bring that magic to class every day.”
For patients who divide their time between Manhattan and the East End, Rich’s experience is a reminder that exceptional, specialized Parkinson’s care can be found right here on Long Island. Through SBSH’s Center for Parkinson’s Disease, patients can build strength, stay active and connect with community — all while enjoying time on the East End. For more information on community-based wellness programs, please contact The Center for Parkinson's Disease at (631)726-8600.