Montana Man Fights Back Against Parkinson's Disease

Specialized boxing classes help Dan Merry manage his Parkinson's symptoms.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:39am

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Dan Merry, a Billings, Montana resident diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease three years ago, has found success in managing his symptoms through a specialized boxing class called Rock Steady Boxing. The class helps stimulate his nerves and keep his body active, which his doctor says is crucial for treating the disease. Merry has also regained his voice through speech therapy, after initially struggling with volume and projection.

Why it matters

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Stories like Merry's highlight how specialized therapies and a proactive approach to managing the disease can make a meaningful difference for those living with Parkinson's.

The details

Part of Merry's therapy includes a weekly Rock Steady Boxing class, which is designed specifically for those battling Parkinson's. The boxing exercises help stimulate his nerves and keep his body active, which his doctor says is crucial for treating the disease. In addition to the boxing classes, Merry has also undergone speech therapy to regain his voice, as Parkinson's can impact a person's ability to speak loudly and clearly.

  • Merry was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease three years ago.
  • Merry attends a weekly Rock Steady Boxing class as part of his treatment plan.

The players

Dan Merry

A Billings, Montana resident who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease three years ago.

Arturo Echeverri

An Intermountain Health neurologist who treats Merry and emphasizes the importance of physical activity in managing Parkinson's symptoms.

Abby Etter

A speech-language pathologist at Intermountain Health who has worked with Merry to regain his voice and speech abilities.

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What they’re saying

“The stimulation of the nerves keeps these nerves active in your legs and in your arms.”

— Dan Merry

“When you first get the diagnosis, you kind of wonder what's going to happen. It's like any other disease. What you hear is always the worst-case scenario.”

— Dan Merry

“If they don't do that part, it is very difficult to treat because then I don't see much improvement, and when they come back, I have to increase the medications.”

— Arturo Echeverri, Intermountain Health neurologist

“Participating in these programs will help, and the level of help that they're going to give depends on how involved the individual is. It's like anything else, the more you put in, the more you get out.”

— Dan Merry

“They lose their ability to engage in those functions. So, then they have to pivot to intent. They have to be very purposeful with their actions. So, speech therapy helps them engage their systems again. It helps them coordinate their vocal production, their breathing, and their ability to swallow.”

— Abby Etter, Speech-language pathologist at Intermountain Health

What’s next

Merry plans to continue attending the weekly Rock Steady Boxing classes and working with his speech therapist to further improve his Parkinson's symptoms.

The takeaway

Merry's story demonstrates the importance of a proactive, multifaceted approach to managing Parkinson's Disease, including specialized therapies like boxing and speech therapy. By staying active and engaged in his treatment, Merry has been able to maintain his quality of life and fight back against the progression of his Parkinson's.