Scott Gives Possibility

Scott, also known as “Bear” by his fellow Rock Steady Boxers, is a good-humored, kind person who has a passion for community building. During his time at Turnstone so far, he has made it his personal mission to bring people together and support each other.

He has been familiar with Turnstone for several years because of his professional role in a local rehabilitation department; however, Scott was not personally connected to Turnstone until he was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019.

“Because I am a man and a lot of us put our health off, I insisted that I was fine,” he joked. Once he received the diagnosis, his neurologist suggested he join Rock Steady Boxing. Unfortunately, because he did not have a location near him at the time, Scott had to try and find other ways to stay active. This was challenging for him because he prefers structure and connection with others to help motivate him.

“I tried to be physically active but without the team, it was hard. The team is everything. I find that structure is very helpful and that’s what Rock Steady and Turnstone have given me,” he said. In November 2021, Scott’s friends and family saw an interview online about a new Rock Steady Boxing class being offered at Turnstone and encouraged him to try it. After the holidays, he came to visit and instantly felt the motivation to be active and he wanted to join that day.

As a team builder, Scott quickly made personal connections with the other boxers. Scott enjoys walking the track with some of his fellow boxers before class and makes it a point to check in on his peers often.

“We’re all in this together and we understand one another. We try and draw everyone into our group; we don’t shut anyone out because we really feel like Turnstone is a family,” said Scott. They developed a strong group environment within Turnstone and continue to contribute to the welcoming environment that Turnstone is known for.

“A lot of people when they find out that they are ill or have a long-term disability, tend to shut themselves in and push the rest of the world away. One of the things I am hoping to do is to reach out to those people and tell them that no matter what you have, you still have a life, you still have a purpose and you still have a place here [at Turnstone] where you will be accepted and you won’t be judged,” said Scott.

Before Turnstone, Scott didn’t have a structured plan to help him stay active or a community of people who could relate to his situation with Parkinson’s. Now, not only does he have a welcoming place where he can be active, but he has also built a community that he can lean on where people are valued for their abilities.

“Team building is the most important to me. I hope others see that even though they don’t have the same abilities as the person next to them, their community at Turnstone still recognizes them and their achievements,” said Scott.

Scott’s dedication to Rock Steady Boxing and his connections with others at Turnstone “Gives Possibility” to those seeking out an inclusive environment filled with people who care. He encourages anyone with Parkinson’s to visit the Rock Steady Boxing class at Turnstone so that they can find support in their journey and talk about their personal experiences with people who can relate.

Today, on Giving Tuesday, your gift can Give Possibility to clients like Scott who are building community at Turnstone. We need YOUR help TODAY, November 29, to continue providing services to people with disabilities regardless of their ability to pay. Gifts made today will transform the lives of Turnstone's clients as we provide comprehensive care under one roof!