Pedaling, breathing and shouting the alphabet. This group is pedaling with a purpose.
Each person in this class has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that happens when nerve cells in the brain die or become damaged, reducing dopamine production and impairing movement control.
Parkinson’s disease is so much more than just a shaking palsy, as scientists have come to learn since 1817.
Kim Cheatum was diagnosed eight years ago.
“Parkinson’s is like a fingerprint. It’s different for every person. Mine tends to be more milder. Tremor-based tends to be more milder even though it’s more visible,” Cheatum said.
Phillip Shelton, who sustained multiple severe burns throughout his career, was a fighter until the end, his son Steven said:
The Parkinson’s Foundation said nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed each year. The disease is progressive, and there is no cure. But Caroline Tindell said studies show high-intensity exercise can help manage symptoms.
“That higher intensity training is what helps release the dopamine in the brain and slow the progression of Parkinson’s down,” Tindell said.
Tindell oversees the Healthy Living Programs at the North River Family YMCA. This facility offers pedaling, boxing, and loud movement classes and a support group specifically for people with Parkinson’s at little to no cost.
She said the connections she’s built among this group keep her coming back day after day.
“No matter what they’re going through personally that day. No matter what this disease is doing to their bodies, they come in with a smile on their face, and they work harder. I’m going to say it, they work harder than anyone else out there,” she said.
Like Kim, who said he’s healthier now than ever before and wants to encourage those around him.
“In some ways, Parkinson’s has been a gift in a sense of incentivizing me to do the things I need to do anyway,” he said. “You get dealt a hand of cards and you play your hand to the best of your ability with gratitude and thanksgiving.”
The North River Family YMCA is holding their Pedal for Parkinson’s bike-a-thon on February 16-17, 2026. Organizers are trying to raise $25,000 to keep their Parkinson’s programs going for the next year at little to no cost for participants.
Local 3 News Today Anchor Michelle Heron is participating in the bike-a-thon for the second year in a row. You can donate to her fundraiser online.
Read more information about the Parkinson’s programs at the North River Family YMCA on their website.
