Saying ‘yes’ launched nationwide rock-climbing program for Parkinson’s patients

By Debra Alfarone at KGNS — Sitewide · July 2, 2026 · 2 min read

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aging Untold) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago struggled to find a climbing gym that would let him participate. One gym said yes. That single decision helped launch a nonprofit now serving more than 1,300 climbers across the country....

Why this matters in The Laredo

In Laredo, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, the story of Upending Parkinson's serves as a reminder that our local parks and recreation facilities can play a vital role in supporting residents with specific needs. The success of this nationwide rock-climbing program for Parkinson's patients suggests that similar initiatives could thrive in our community, where access to adaptive sports and fitness programs is limited. As city officials and community leaders consider ways to enhance our parks and recreation offerings, they should look to models like Upending Parkinson's, which demonstrate the potential for targeted programs to improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions. By embracing inclusive and adaptive recreation opportunities, Laredo can become a more supportive and empowering environment for residents of all abilities, and help to foster a sense of community and connection among those who may otherwise feel isolated by their condition.

About this story

Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide. The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: parks · Published: July 2, 2026 · Source: KGNS — Sitewide · Reading time: 2 min

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This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.

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This story was reported by Debra Alfarone at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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