Rasheda Ali, center, daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, laughs with Soni Dimond, right, during the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida's annual luncheon at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort in Naples on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017. Rasheda, inspired by her father's battle with Parkinson's, is an advocate for Parkinson's awareness and research. (Photo: Luke Franke/Naples Daily News)
Muhammad Ali could be called the world's best fighter.
The three-time heavyweight champion ruled the boxing ring. A worsening disease was not going to put him down, and his daughter is making sure others stand up and live their life.
Rasheda Ali spoke to a room full of people affected by Parkinson’s disease, either directly or through family and friends. The Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida invited her to the annual Naples luncheon Tuesday, its largest fundraiser of the year.
"Today is about my story," she said. "My journey. My family’s journey. I just want to share and inspire the audience with some of the advice I have. It’s been a tough journey but a beautiful journey at the same time."
The organization has changed since Ali’s last visit 10 years ago. Dozens of classes a week, ranging from support groups to physical exercise, are offered by the Parkinson Association, and Ali hopes to help expand the organization further.
"It takes a village of support," she said. "I’ve seen a lot of volunteers here. You couldn’t do this without a strong community. I think that’s what this association has — it has a dedicated, giving community that’s a great blueprint for others to follow."
Nanda Pearlman knows this firsthand. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in September 2005. A week later she got in touch with the organization’s co-founders, Ellen Chaney and Jacqueline Urso.
"We’ve become brothers and sisters," she said with a tear and a smile. "I felt so welcomed. The people here are incredible."
Pearlman’s husband, Joel Pearlman, served several years on the Parkinson Association’s board and continues attending classes, including those meant for family and friends living with and caring for people with the disease.
"The people there — they’re amazing," he said. "They helped me understand we still have a life."
A charcoal portrait of Muhammad Ali, created by local artist Marcus Zotter, stands prominently at the Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida's annual luncheon at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort in Naples on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017. (Photo: Luke Franke/Naples Daily News)
Nanda Pearlman takes advantage of several physical therapy classes as well as support and education courses. Both are needed to make a strong Parkinson association, Ali said.
"Physical therapy is important — I can’t even stress the importance — but having other services like a support group where you can have an open conversation is just so important," she said. "Parkinson’s can’t kill you, and you can live for a long time, but (what) we’re focusing on now is quality of life, because there is no cure."
That quality of life is what drew Nanda Pearlman in and keeps her involved 10 years later.
"We have to live in reality — we aren’t going to get well again," she said. "But the association makes our quality of life much better. Alone, it’s hard to do. If you have a group behind you, they hold you up."
George Dettloff, vice chairman of the Parkinson Association Board of Directors, said the organization strives to be an open home for people struggling with the disease, whether they know it or not.
"There’s a lot of people that are out there that don’t know they have Parkinson’s," he said. "This is a place they can go after finding out."
Parkinson’s disease is deteriorating — the symptoms become more severe as the person ages, although it varies person to person. But even in his later years, Ali explained, her father never let it gain control of his life.
Rasheda Ali Signing her new children's book, "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall". A child's guide to Parkinson's disease.
"My dad has never let Parkinson’s bring him down and define who he was," she said. "If they can try to do activities that don’t remind them of Parkinson’s, and we did that a lot. If he’s feeling well, let’s go to a movie. Let’s go dance. Let’s do something else that lets us get away from it."
Ali considers her service an extension of the legacy and support Muhammad Ali provided before his death last year.
"One of my favorite quotes from my dad is, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room in heaven,’ " she said. "That quote is on his grave marker, because I think that encompasses everything he stood for while he was here."
She encouraged everyone to get involved with organizations like the Parkinson Association.
"I think a lot of people feel they can handle it themselves — and you probably can — but I don’t think your life would be fulfilling," she said. "If you do take a chance and go to just one event, they’ll see how incredible their life would be if they have others to lean on and support. They’ll realize this community will embrace them."
The Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida is at 5926 Premier Way 114 and can be reached at 319-417-3465.
http://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2017/01/24/weve-become-brothers-and-sisters/96944148/
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