02/04/2026
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This is a very beneficial program for individuals with Parkinsons.
Rock Steady Boxing in Watertown is pleased to highlight Sheryl Kurkowski as our Fighter of the Month! Sheryl was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010.
Sheryl would recommend those living with Parkinson’s try out exercise programs specifically designed for Parkinson’s, like LSVT BIG & LOUD, PWR!, or Rock Steady Boxing. Since starting RSB she has noticed an improvement in her strength & balance. Sheryl enjoys visiting with the other participants. She states, “Rock Steady Boxing keeps me in touch with people, ideas, & helps keep me physically & mentally stronger.” Sheryl’s favorite part about Rock Steady is the boxing portion, especially the reflex bag. She likes keeping a rhythm to the music we play during class. She also enjoys the camaraderie with the people.
When asked what motivates her, Sheryl says, “My family. I want to keep active so I can enjoy going to family functions. Going to things like support group & exercise classes makes you forget your problems when you meet other people who also have the same problems. I enjoy helping others & giving advice.”
When asked what Sheryl’s biggest struggles with Parkinson’s have been, she states, “I struggle with occasional freezing gait, like when I get out of my car or I am walking down an aisle, I sometimes can’t move & just freeze up.” Another struggle for Sheryl has been dyskinesia (involuntary, erratic movements like wiggling, swaying, or fidgeting) and trying to get the correct dosage of medications & taking them on time has also been difficult. “Taking the right medication on time every time is critical to Parkinson’s symptom management. Missing or delaying medication, even slightly, can lead to severe "off" times, causing increased tremors, rigidity, pain, falls, & mobility issues. Consistency is essential for managing dopamine levels & maintaining functioning. Parkinson's medication (like levodopa) has a short duration of effect, & its benefits decrease quickly if not taken on schedule.”
When asked what helps her cope with her Parkinson’s, Sheryl states, “By going to support groups & exercise classes. Getting out & keeping active helps me a lot. Do research for yourself and keep a diary about your journey & how you're doing with meds & life. This helps me & my doctor.”
Coach Cassidy states, “Sheryl is one of those people who’s always ready to help. She’s always willing to lend a hand or share advice & ideas. I’ve always admired how she goes out of her way for others. Sheryl is dependable & open-minded. She makes everyone around her feel included. Sheryl is always open to trying new treatment options and ideas as they come out. She understands how important it is to keep an open mind when it comes to managing Parkinson’s. Everyone’s journey is different, and you never know what might end up helping you. She approaches life with a progressive outlook and is always willing to explore new ideas and improve both herself and her community. Keep fighting, Sheryl; we are lucky to have you here!”
Sheryl's advice for people living with Parkinson's would be, “Stay positive. Go to a support group; that way you won't feel so alone. You can get information from others and/or help others. Keep looking for new ideas that could help.” Sheryl also states, “Stay active. If you don’t move, it will catch up to you & you won't be able to do the things you once could.”
Sheryl was born in Watertown, SD, but moved around the country with her mom & military dad. She graduated high school in Veblen, SD, in 1964 (her mom's hometown). Sheryl went to North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, for business & The Institute of Medical Technique in Minneapolis, MN, for lab & X-ray. After college she worked at the hospital in Webster, SD. Later she worked at a grocery store & in retail. Sheryl married Richard Kurkowski on July 6th, 1968, in Webster & moved to a farm east of Grenville. She & Richard spent 46 years there before moving to Watertown. They have 2 sons & 1 daughter (Steven, Sandy & David), 3 grandkids & 3 great-grandkids. Richard passed away in 2017. Sheryl likes to keep busy with her hobbies like gardening (especially flowers), coloring, writing, & music.
Thanks for being you, Sheryl❤️
