Molly Donelan-Cupka

A retired physician with Parkinson’s disease initiated a rock-climbing program after one gym allowed his participation, leading to a nonprofit serving over 1,300 climbers nationwide. The program, Upending Parkinson’s, expanded from two climbers to 72 locations, emphasizing climbing’s physical and cognitive benefits for Parkinson’s patients.

A retired physician with Parkinson’s disease, Jonathan Lessin, partnered with Molly Donelan-Cupka to create a rock-climbing program after other gyms refused him. The initiative, now a nonprofit called Upending Parkinson’s, serves over 1,300 climbers at 72 locations nationwide. Climbing is highlighted as a therapeutic activity that combats Parkinson’s symptoms through physical and cognitive engagement.

A retired physician with Parkinson’s disease found a climbing gym willing to accommodate him, leading to a nonprofit program now serving over 1,300 climbers nationwide. The program, Upending Parkinson’s, started with two climbers and expanded to 72 locations, emphasizing rock climbing’s physical and cognitive benefits for Parkinson’s patients.