(MAR 4) Retired multi-world boxing champion Kristy “Rose” Follmar has come a long way from her boxing days, where she accumulated a 16-2-0 (9KO) professional boxing record. She fought the likes of Mia “The Knockout” St. John, Mary McGee, among other noted fights. The highlight of her boxing career was when she  won two world titles against Shelby Walker and Francesca Alcanter, and then came out of retirement in 2009 to win another world title against Eva Jones-Young.  Follmar competed from 2002 to 2009.

Otside the ring, after she won the  world title in 2009 against Eva Jones-Young she served as the initial head coach for Rock Steady Boxing.

Follmar has served for 16 years as program Director and head coach at Rock Steady,  and she continued her efforts as co-founder and as volunteer with media and marketing work for Rock Steady Boxing in the fight against Parkinson’s worldwide.

The organization was founded in 2006 by Scott C. Newman following his diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 40. Determined to fight back, Scott began training with his friend and former Golden Gloves boxer, Vince Perez. This training proved so effective at managing his symptoms and tremors that he soon invited his Young Onset PD support group to join him. This labor of love quickly gained national attention and grew into a global movement.

Photo credit:  Facebook/Kristy Rose Follmar

Follmar is a certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist. She has been with Rock Steady Boxing since it was founded and is the Program Director/Head Coach. She is the Program Director and Head Coach, and has been instrumental in developing the organization’s non-contact, boxing-based curriculum designed to improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Rock Steady Boxing fosters a supportive and empowering culture for members to FIGHT BACK against their Parkinson’s Disease. Turning patients into athletes, Rock Steady Boxing is here to challenge your perceived limits to improve the quality of life through non-contact, boxing-based fitness curriculum. For more information please visit www.rocksteadyboxing.org

Follmar is now serving as Communication Director for the Red Tulip for Parkinsons Organization. For more info:
www.RedTulipforParkinsons.org

She also works full-time for an eye surgery company, and she does their media and marketing, in addition to she is a volunteer for Rock Steady Boxing as the cofounder.  Follmar does that responsibility to stay connected.

Throughout the years WBAN has followed Follmar’s journey from the professional ring to her current humanitarian efforts. We would like to congratulate her on her continued success and her significant contributions to the field of Parkinson’s wellness.

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