Fort Worth-area people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are fighting their symptoms and building community while exercising with a world champion boxer. The exercise program, Punching Out Parkinson’s, is led by southpaw Paulie Ayala.

“If they can change their perception, they can change what they can do,” Ayala said. “There’s no cure for Parkinson’s, but I don’t want them to have that frame of mind in my gym.”

Joe Browder has been attending Paulie Ayala’s Punching Out Parkinson’s exercise classes for six years. Photo by Joyce Marshall

The group of boxers said they experience relief from disease symptoms, avoid upping medication dosages and feel their quality of life has increased. Chris Watts, the Marilyn and Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, and a team of TCU researchers are putting data behind the boxing exercise program to quantify the results of attending the classes for one year. Through tests that mimic everyday mobility limitations for people with Parkinson’s, the researchers measure task performance to show whether or not boxing improves symptoms over time.

Another feature story will highlight the influence of introverts in the work force. Though often overshadowed, they bring a deliberative quality to their work.

Jeannine Gailey’s research focuses on sociology of the body, fat studies, gender and sexuality. Photo by Carolyn Cruz

In a research spotlight, Jeannine Gailey discusses her work studying the toll of body shaming. The professor of sociology found that societal judgment against women considered fat filters into health care, career options and more.

Alumni spotlights include Marshall Harris ’79, a former TCU football player and artist, who worked with young people in Paris. The former NFL defensive lineman also taught American rules football to the kids. On the East Coast, Laura Phipps ’04 uses her experience as a painter in a curatorial career at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Back at home in Fort Worth, Arnie Gachman ’64 is fostering strong community partnerships and leading the recycling industry.

On the baseball diamond, Kirk Saarloos is leading Frogball in his first season as head coach. He talked to TCU Magazine about his vision for the team and the importance of family.

The Summer 2022 issue will be live online May 18.