Smash Hit Kickboxing Takes a Swing at Psoriatic Disease

How many hits does it take to bring down Psoriatic Disease? The team at Smash Hit Kickboxing is gearing up to throw a thousand punches for the cause and they want the public to join in on the fight!

Offering two back-to-back donation classes on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 9 a.m., individuals of all experience levels are invited to participate in this heart pumping fundraiser. Benefitting the National Psoriasis Organization (NPF), donations and pledges of all amounts are welcome and encouraged.

Psoriatic Disease is the most common auto-immune disease in the United States affecting more than $7.5 million Americans. Smash Hit is hosting the event in honor of Waterford resident Jaime Moy, a regular at the gym. Jaime has Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.

“Jaime is an important part of the Smash Hit family,” said Ken Levy, Owner, Smash Hit Kickboxing. “We watch what she goes through as a result of the disease and medications on a daily basis. In spite of everything she is faced with, she never waivers in her toughness or diligence in class. This event is an important opportunity to support Jaime and others affected by this disease.”

Moy understands the importance of psoriatic disease research, both as a patient and as a parent. Her son Andrew was diagnosed at age 4 with psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to reproduce more quickly and collect on the surface of the skin causing inflammation, redness, and itch. At age 5, Andrew was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune disease that is characterized by pain, redness and inflammation in the joints and tendons. Moy was diagnosed with the same diseases three years later. There currently is no cure for psoriatic disease.

Like many patients, Moy discovered that her symptoms tend to flare as stress increases. Moy found kickboxing a great avenue to relieve stress and help manage her disease. Due to the nature of the disease, Moy has good days and bad days. When her disease is active, she follows her doctor’s recommendations to rest or modify kickboxing movements in class, as well as drinking lots of water, which helps her to avoid more joint damage.

Moy says the instructors at Smash Hit have been very understanding of her limitations. They push her hard enough to get a good workout, but provide encouragement when she is struggling.

Participants at the fundraiser will have the opportunity to experience first hand a number of Smash Hit’s expert instructors teaching proper technique, safety and endurance. In addition to kickboxing and boxing drills, at 10 a.m., Smash Hit will premiere a brand new concept Zumbox. This Zumba/kickboxing hybrid stresses the importance of rhythm and movement in a fun cardio atmosphere. All experience levels and ages are welcome to participate in both classes. Wraps and gloves will be provided for use. As a thank you to donors and attendees, a variety of prizes will be awarded for fundraising efforts, as well as door prizes.

For additional information or to register visit: bit.ly/Jabs4NPF