YMCA Helps Woman With Parkinson's Find Joy Again On Tennis Court

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton's Alice Siegel, 70, once adored tennis — but she hadn't played for 15 years due to the onset of Parkinson's disease.

But thanks to the YMCA of Long Island, Siegel is back on the court and seizing her joy.

The YMCA of Long Island hosts a number of exercises and developmental programs to accommodate community members with physical disabilities and chronic conditions, the organization said.

The Y’s "Power Over Parkinson’s" wellness group is an introductory group focusing on exercise as a means to stave off the effects of the disease. On a weekly basis, more than 18 individuals affected by Parkinson’s gather together at the YMCA East Hampton RECenter for the opportunity to gain physical fitness and join a community in which they join forces to fight back.

"Research has shown Parkinson's patients who exercise have better outcomes, and in some cases can even slow the progression of the neurological disease," the YMCA said. "Though there is no cure for the almost 10 million people who suffer from the neurodegenerative condition, members of the Y share experiences and find solace in the community created by the 'Power Over Parkinson’s' wellness initiative."

Participants engage in group cardio using stationary equipment, followed by a safe weight-training routine.

Siegel credits the life-altering program for helping her to regain the ability to play tennis and find a part of her heart back on the court.

“Everyone at the YMCA is committed to doing all they can to help people and improve quality of life,” Siegel said. “Living with a physical disability can be very intimidating — when you are not sure if you can balance yourself without falling. If you have experienced staff to help you, it’s much more palatable. The Y promotes understanding and flexibility in how people see each other.”

The YMCA of East Hampton RECenter commenced the program for people with Parkinson’s in 2016, with an eye toward providing a haven for support in the community. A social worker connected Siegel with representatives from the organization.

“The YMCA East Hampton RECenter is committed to helping our Parkinson’s members,” says Rosanne Orlando, health and wellness director at the YMCA East Hampton RECenter. “Through our 'Power over Parkinson’s' program, the Y teaches a group of participants about wellness, stress reduction techniques and how to continue with a healthy lifestyle.”

Following an hour of physical activity, participants are invited to attend an hour-long support group. The group meets in a "safe, quiet space where they practice acceptance, empathy, hope, self-esteem, empowerment, growth and belonging," the YMCA said.

Siegel credits the YMCA’s staff for helping her to not only regain her strength but find a way to return to physical activity.

“I always loved to play tennis and Glenn Vickers, executive director of the YMCA East Hampton RECenter, visited the support group with Neal Feinburg, owner of 27 Tennis in Amagansett. I told him that I used to play tennis but stopped playing 15 years ago because I was afraid I would fall —which is common in patients with Parkinson’s. Once on the court, I was doing forehands and backhands — I guess there are some things you don’t forget," she said.

Professionals then visited the program to help participants improve balance, flexibility, strength and coordination.

“We love Alice’s story and seeing her enjoy tennis again,” said Anne Brigis, president of the YMCA of Long Island. “The YMCA of Long Island has always prided itself in being a place for everyone — with its programs, services, and initiatives aimed to empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body.”

Patch photo courtesy YMCA Long Island.