The Need
IN TODAY’S SOCIETY, WHO DOESN’T KNOW, OR HASN’T KNOWN, SOMEONE WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE, OR SOMEONE WHOSE FAMILY HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS DISEASE?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) stands as the most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting a growing number of people as populations age. It is a progressive and incurable neurological condition, marked by dopamine deficiency in the brain. This deficiency leads to tremors, rigidity, and issues with posture, gait, coordination, speech, swallowing, digestion, vision, and cognitive function.

Current treatments for PD include medication—primarily dopamine replacement therapies—and exercise. Medication effectiveness varies greatly from person to person and can change over time. Exercise is crucial for managing symptoms, slowing progression of the disease, and improving quality of life.

In the United States, over 1.1 million people live with PD, with 90,000 new diagnoses each year. New Mexico alone has about 7,500 cases, with a higher concentration in Santa Fe and nearby communities, due to the region’s older demographics. Many believe the actual incidence is even higher than reported. Despite the presence of healthcare facilities, Northern New Mexico lacks an adequate, specialized center for Parkinson’s-specific exercise, support groups, and education programs.



Rock Steady Boxing (“RSB”) 

Research since the 1980s demonstrates that rigorous exercise can slow PD progression. Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), established in 2006, is now an international program involving medical and fitness experts, with over 800 affiliates in every state and 14 countries.

The RSB program employs functional fitness through boxing-based training, which focuses on large movements, balance, core strength, rhythm, coordination, range of motion, flexibility, posture, and gait. This approach positively impacts daily living activities. Rigorous exercise is believed to protect neurons and may slow disease progression. RSB programs address both the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, such as cognitive decline, anxiety, depression, and isolation.



Punching Out Parkinson’s Santa Fe LLC (“POP”)

Established in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, POP’s mission is to empower individuals with Parkinson’s disease through exercise and community support. As an official RSB affiliate, POP boasts eleven certified coaches who lead at least nine 90- minute sessions each week for roughly 125 active participants, referred to as “boxers.” The fee structure is flexible, ensuring no one is denied participation due to financial hardship—about 80% of participants pay partial or no fees.

POP offers not only RSB classes but also group speech therapy, social events, and support group gatherings for the Parkinson’s community in Northern New Mexico. The center has become a community hub, also welcoming the Parkinson’s Action Group, which provides support to individuals with PD and their caregivers. The group maintains an active mailing list of 135 people with PD and their supporters and has recently joined POP.

Since its founding, POP has aimed to secure a dedicated facility to serve as both an RSB training center and a PD community hub. The organization has accumulated $475,000 in cash reserves toward this goal.



The Current Facility

Since 2018, POP has operated out of a leased 2,178 square foot warehouse unit (“the Gym”) in the 2019 Galisteo Center. See Annex 1. The Gym was purchased by Drew and Adrienne Shurbet (Executive Director of POP), to ensure continued availability for the RSB program.

The Gym is a versatile, open space that coaches and volunteers transform daily for RSB classes, speech therapy, support group meetings, and social activities. Equipment and furniture must be repeatedly moved and stored to accommodate different events, which presents logistical challenges. The functional area is limited and cannot comfortably accommodate class sizes of 20 or more. There are also no private areas for consultations, assessments, or small groups, and the facility lacks a kitchen—an asset for social and educational gatherings.



The Opportunity

The adjacent Unit B-1 in the same center, originally designed to connect with the current Gym, is now for sale. At 5,225 square feet, its acquisition—combined with the existing space—would create a 7,700+ square foot facility, more than tripling current capacity. This new space would allow for a comprehensive PD wellness center, conveniently located in Santa Fe with ample parking. The agreed purchase price is $900,000 (about $172.25 per square foot), with closing scheduled by February 28, 2026. Refurbishing the space to suit POP’s needs brings the total cost to $1,200,000.

POP can also acquire the current Gym, Unit B-2, for $375,000. Owning both units would give POP full control over the entire facility, allowing for future improvements and long-term security.


POP currently holds $400,000 (funds saved for a new facility) and has secured a $550,000 lead gift pledge as matching funds from an anonymous donor. The silent phase of the capital campaign raised an additional $352,300 in lead gifts (including remaining Board pledges) toward unlocking these matching funds.

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The current status of the campaign, as of November 16, 2025, is:

▪ Primary Goal: Acquire and convert Unit B-1 $1,200,000

▪ Secondary Goal: Acquire Unit B-2 $375,000 
▪ Plus additional equipment $100,000

▪ Total Campaign Goal $1,675,000

▪ Less Funds on Hand for Project ($400,000)
▪ Less CASH Raised to date ($468,307)

▪ Less Matching Fund Donation ($468,307)



▪ Funds Still Needed to Reach 100% 0f Goal: $338,386
▪ LESS Remaining Matching Funds: $81,693

▪ LESS Remaining Board pledges: $136,000

▪ Additional funds needed to reach 100% of campaign goal as of 11/16/25: $120,693

 

THE VISION

Punching Out Parkinson’s Santa Fe will be the community hub for people living with Parkinson’s in Northern New Mexico. Our expanded gym will offer a spacious, open layout that comfortably accommodates classes of 20 or more participants, with plenty of room to move freely and safely.

The expanded gym will be thoughtfully designed to support a wide range of therapeutic and fitness activities:
• A dedicated area for boxing bags and equipment
• A matted space for stretching and safe falling practice
• A brain fitness zone with an interactive wall to promote cognitive health and hand-eye coordination
• A track and harness system for participants who cannot stand on their own, to build lower body strength and increase confidence with gait and balance exercises
• Well-organized storage areas to keep everything accessible and safe

Beyond the gym, we will offer a kitchen-equipped community room used for support group meetings, group speech therapy, and social or educational events. A/V technology enables us to offer virtual classes, ensuring that even home-bound participants can stay connected and active.

We will also feature:
• A cardio area with stationary bikes and other fitness equipment
• A quiet, separate studio space ideal for yoga, tai chi, and similar practices

POP Santa Fe will be Northern New Mexico’s premier center for Parkinson’s wellness, collaboration, and community. We are and will continue to be an all-inclusive organization committed to taking exercise, connection, and support for people with Parkinson’s to the next level. A successful capital campaign and acquisition of the target properties will allow POP Santa Fe to realize this vision.