2024 REX FOUNDATION GRANTEE

The mission of Oregon Parkinson’s Warriors Foundation is to create a supportive and empowering community for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners, enhancing quality of life through exercise, support, and opportunities for personal growth. OPWF is dedicated to helping members move better and feel better.                                        

Since 2010, Lori B. Havas has been leading research based Parkinson’s non-contact boxing, movement practices, and physical training circuit classes in Eugene. She is a student of the American College of Sports Medicine and received her degree as an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist and a Parkinson’s Fitness Specialist. Lori is the 2019 Lane County Health Care Hero!  

When Lori began teaching private sessions she had 2 students. Over the years with increasing requests to support people with PD, it was time to begin leading group classes. Starting with 7 students in a group class in 2018, OPWF is now serving just over 60 Warriors. In March 2024, 10 more individuals signed up for group classes!

With the projected opening of a new gym, they anticipate growing participation up to 75 students by year end 2024 and a goal of 125 participants by year end 2026. The Foundation will also offer scholarships and reduced rates to ensure everyone in need can participate; a myriad of educational offerings on diet, physical changes, vocalization practices, dancing, and more; and for exercise enthusiasts interested in leading Warrior classes they will provide support to specialized training programs.

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