parks
Saying ‘yes’ launched nationwide rock-climbing program for Parkinson’s patients
By Debra Alfarone at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aging Untold) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago struggled to find a climbing gym that would let him participate. One gym said yes. That single decision helped launch a nonprofit now serving more than 1,300 climbers across the country....
Key takeaway (Aging Untold) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago struggled to find a climbing gym that would let him participate.
Why this matters in Laredo News
In Laredo , where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, the story of Upending Parkinson's serves as a reminder that local gyms and recreation centers can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with Parkinson's disease. The success of this nationwide program, which now operates at 72 locations, demonstrates the potential for similar initiatives to take root in our community. As city officials and local business owners consider ways to enhance quality of life for residents, they may want to explore partnerships with organizations like Upending Parkinson's to bring adaptive rock-climbing programs to Laredo. By doing so, they can provide individuals with Parkinson's disease a unique opportunity to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. The growth of Upending Parkinson's from a single "yes" to a nationwide movement highlights the impact that one decision can have, and Laredo can learn from this example to create its own supportive environment for people with Parkinson's.
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 2, 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 struggled to find a climbing gym that would let him participate. One gym said yes. That single decision helped launch a nonprofit now serving more than 1,300 climbers across the country....
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Alfarone 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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