parks
One ‘yes’ launched rock-climbing program for people with Parkinson’s
Summary by Laredo News Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by LeAnne Gendreau , KGNS — Sitewide
· July 20, 2026
· 2 min read
ALEXANDRIA, Va. ( Aging Untold ) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago was turned away from gym after gym when he wanted to try rock climbing — until one said yes. That single yes led to the creation of Up Ending Parkinson’s, a nonprofit that connects peo...
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Summary created by Laredo News Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting LeAnne Gendreau, KGNS — Sitewide Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 20, 2026 Indexed here Jul 20, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway ( Aging Untold ) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago was turned away from gym after gym when he wanted to try rock climbing — until one said yes.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The story of Up Ending Parkinson's has implications for Laredo's own parks and recreation programs. As the city continues to develop its outdoor spaces, it's worth considering how they can be made more accessible to people with mobility limitations, such as those with Parkinson's disease. Rock climbing, in particular, offers a unique set of benefits for individuals with the disease, including improved coordination and balance. Local climbing gyms and recreation centers could explore partnerships with organizations like Up Ending Parkinson's to offer specialized programs for people with Parkinson's. By doing so, Laredo can provide its residents with more opportunities to stay active and engaged, regardless of their abilities. This could also complement existing programs, such as exercise classes or support groups, to create a more comprehensive network of resources for people with Parkinson's in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 20, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ALEXANDRIA, Va. ( Aging Untold ) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago was turned away from gym after gym when he wanted to try rock climbing — until one said yes. That single yes led to the creation of Up Ending Parkinson’s, a nonprofit that connects peo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 20, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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