One Year Strong: Baldwin Health and the Parkinson’s Support Group Empower Baldwin County Together
10/31/2025
FOLEY, Ala. (October 31, 2025) — Baldwin Health is proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its partnership with the Parkinson’s Support Group, founded by local advocate J. Gary Ellis. Over the past year, the collaboration has continued to grow, providing expanded education, resources and community support for individuals living with Parkinson's disease in Baldwin County and surrounding areas.
“We’re not simply gathering to talk. We’re gathering to act, to learn, to move, to support each other. With Baldwin Health and our partners, we’re turning possibility into progress,” said Ellis, who lives with Parkinson’s and leads the group.
“Baldwin Health is proud to stand with the Parkinson’s community and support practical, person-centered resources that help people live well,” said Margaret Roley, CEO of Baldwin Health. “Gary’s dedication and steady leadership have galvanized this effort. We’re grateful for his partnership and the momentum he’s created for patients, care partners and our community.”
Stronger Together
The Parkinson’s Support Group has been meeting for nearly a year in collaboration with Baldwin Health. Previously, the group met in a separate meeting space provided by Baldwin Health. Now, thanks to the newly completed lobby at 1613 N. McKenzie St. in Foley, the group will relocate its monthly meetings to the first-floor main lobby education classrooms at Baldwin Health.
Each meeting features guest speakers including neurologists, physical therapists, exercise specialists, nutritionists and care partners offering attendees the latest information on tools, treatments and local support options. A light lunch is provided to all who attend.
Introducing Movement That Matters
Recognizing the power of movement in Parkinson’s care, Ellis partnered with local trainer and coach Chris Wheeles to bring a franchise of Rock Steady Boxing to Gulf Shores.
Rock Steady Boxing was founded in 2006 in Indianapolis by former prosecutor Scott C. Newman after his own diagnosis of Parkinson’s and has grown to more than 900 affiliates worldwide. The program is a noncontact, boxing-based fitness curriculum tailored for people with Parkinson’s. It is designed to stimulate neuroplasticity through high-intensity, nontraditional exercise. Research shows participants report improvements in balance, coordination, gait and quality of life.
Thanks to Ellis’ initiative and Baldwin Health’s support, local group members now have access to Rock Steady Boxing-style training in Gulf Shores and the surrounding region.
Why It Matters
Living with Parkinson’s can feel isolating, but support, community and movement make a world of difference. As Ellis shared:
“From the moment I was diagnosed, I realized that what I needed most wasn’t just hope. It was a community, resources and practical tools to live well despite this disease. Working with Baldwin Health has allowed us to create a safe, welcoming space where people can learn, connect and fight back together.”
Working alongside Ellis, Amanda M. Royal, senior LPTA with HealthActions Physical Therapy, has helped coordinate and grow this support group locally.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see individuals show up each month eager to learn, share their experiences and move forward together,” Royal said. “This partnership is about empowering people with Parkinson’s to live boldly and fully, not defined by their diagnosis.”
Upcoming Meeting Invitation
The next meeting of the Parkinson’s Support Group will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11, starting at 12:30 p.m., at Baldwin Health, 1613 N. McKenzie St. in Foley, in the first-floor main lobby education classrooms.
People living with Parkinson’s, care partners, family and friends are all welcome free of charge. Join us to connect, learn and move together.
About the Parkinson’s Support Group
Founded by J. Gary Ellis, the Parkinson’s Support Group aims to educate, connect and support people living with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Monthly meetings feature expert guest speakers, a community lunch and now access to movement programs like Rock Steady Boxing — helping participants not just live with Parkinson’s, but thrive.
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