A HOOK TO PARKINSON'S
One particular day six years ago ...
THE BIRTH OF
A GREAT DREAM
Gleason’s Gym, Brooklyn: founded in the 1930s by Italian Peter Gagliardi, a former taxi driver. A quote from the Aeneid about a boxing match stands out at the entrance. The atmosphere is intense, one breathes Italian-ness. Inside, it looks like the set of a Rocky movie: 5 rings, vigorous boxers, adults, children, and a legendary story. Jake La Motta, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson trained here.
I was there for a workout when I noticed a sign: “Boxing session tomorrow for Parkinson’s.” I returned the next day and found a moving scene: patients, young and old, around the ring were following the movements of a muscular boxer who, with patience and tenderness, urged them to replicate the gestures, instilling confidence.
Back in Italy, I decided to start a similar project. With the support of Paolo Pescini, an enthusiastic entrepreneur and friend, we founded the association *UnGancio al Parkinson*. Today more than 150 people take our classes, a number that is constantly growing. In the ring we are all there: the fight is tough, but we are sure to knock out the opponent.
Maurizio Bertoni and Paolo Pescini
There are no donations too small; your contribution is always valuable.
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Our Mission
JOINING FORCES TO FIGHT
PARKINSON'S
A Hook to Parkinson’s, founded in 2018, aims to improve patients’ quality of life through specific exercise programs based on neuroplasticity.
Research shows that targeted interventions can improve physical and cognitive symptoms such as gait, balance, tremor, memory, and coordination.
The association aims to develop dynamic and stimulating activities, promote research, raise funds and establish scholarships for young researchers.
The ultimate goal is to support the study of Parkinson’s and to foster international exchanges among experts in the field.
Main Supporter
Our sponsors
A NETWORK UNITED
IN OUR MISSION
Collaborate with us
TOGETHER TO REALIZE
OUR PURPOSE
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
President
Dr. Silvia Ramat
Neurologist
Neurology 1 – University of Florence
Careggi Hospital – Florence
Dr. Paola Vanni
Neurologist
Neurology – Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence
Prof. Fabrisia Ambrosio, PhD
Spaulding Rehabilitation
Institute Harvard Medical School
Prof. Dustin Grooms, PhD
Associate Director Ohio
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute Ohio University
Dr. Maurizio Bertoni
Orthopedic Specialist
University of Florence – Florence Training Lab Center
Dr. Arianna Pintore
Research Director Association a Hook to Parkinson’s
Dr. Jacopo Carocci
Team Performance
Director Associazione un Gancio al Parkinson
