About

KnockOutPD’s Mission Statement

The mission of KnockOutPD is to give Parkinson’s disease a voice by educating and involving the community and organizing Parkinson’s related resources and events in the Central Pennsylvania area.

“Recently I have found myself entering into a new endeavor along with my father Jake in supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation to help raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease, the same disease my dad has now battled for over 20 years.”

Tammy Smith

Together, Tammy and her father, Jake Wagner have created the campaign KnockOutPD.com. KnockOutPD ‘s mission is to educate, involve, and organize Parkinson’s disease related resources in the Harrisburg and surrounding areas and have raised close to $11,000 for the Parkinson’s Foundation.

At the age of 56, Jake was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For the past 20 years, he has continued to fight this debilitating disease one punch and one day at a time. As anyone living wit PD knows you must adjust daily to the punches that Parkinson’s throws at you. Read Jakes story here.

parkinson's disease fundraising harrisburg

Find Out More, Support KnockOutPD, Get Involved

As a family that has been affected by Parkinson’s disease for the last 20 years, we are fully aware that resources in our local community are minimal, and we are working hard to change that.

There is no cure for PD currently, however studies have shown that a consistent exercise routine, such as boxing, can delay symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with PD. Myself, along with my family and an amazing group of volunteers, coaches and business owners in our area are working towards building a community and positive support system for those that battle PD and their families every day. Learn how to fight back!


Our involvement with the Parkinson’s Foundation

We became involved in the Parkinson’s Foundation in early 2017 as a way to help my father, who has lived with PD for over 20 years. My dad is now stage 4 Parkinson’s disease and resides in a skilled care facility. He is unable to walk and speaks few words, however he still has a lot of fight left in him and together we have agreed to form as a team to fight PD. I began turning my ‘visits’ with him into ‘business meetings’ and we are now actively involved as Parkinson’s Champions. My family raises funds by participating in endurance events and by hosting a 5K run/walk at the beautiful facility in which my dad now resides. Find our more about the Parkinson’s Foundation.


KnockOut PD 5K run/walk

Participate, volunteer or come support! The KnockOut PD 5K event is held annually during Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April. Help us raise funds and awareness for PD by registering to run or walk at Masonic Villages in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. The 1st annual 5K was held in April 2017, and was a great success! We had runners & walkers travel up to 2 hours to participate in a PD related event and together.  Since 2017 we have raised over $7500 for the Parkinson’s Foundation with our community 5K’s. Every registrant receives a KnockOut PD race t-shirt, custom finisher medal, prizes and more! Sign up for KnockOutPD 5K, 2019 coming soon!


What is Parkinson’s Champions?

Parkinson’s Champions raise funds and awareness for PD around the country by running marathons, organizing events and fundraising. To date, we have raised over $3300 through endurance races as Parkinson’s Champions. If you are interested in becoming a Parkinson’s Champion or making a donation please visit our Parkinson’s Champions fundraising page.


Rock Steady Boxing Harrisburg is here!

The RSB Harrisburg classes are being held at the West Shore Academy of Martial Arts (WSAMA) in Camp Hill, and is driven by a team of volunteers and certified coaches, including the owner of WSAMA, who are passionate about helping to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s disease. Find our more about Rock Steady Boxing Harrisburg.


Proud to be Parkinson’s Foundations Ambassadors

After attending the Parkinson’s Foundation Volunteer Leadership Summit, we have become further inspired to continue educating our community and bringing PD related resources to the area.


Parkinson’s Fundraising

All proceeds from KnockOutPD fundraising go directly to the Parkinson’s Foundation and used to assist with research and advancements in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

With your help, they can accomplish their goals to help knock out Parkinson’s disease. For all who participate or donate to their cause, KnockOutPD thanks you for your interest and support!