Saying ‘yes’ launched nationwide rock-climbing program for Parkinson’s patients

Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Debra Alfarone, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · July 2, 2026 · 2 min read

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aging Untold) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago struggled to find a climbing gym that would let him participate. One gym said yes. That single decision helped launch a nonprofit now serving more than 1,300 climbers across the country....

Why this matters in The Midland

The growth of Upending Parkinson's, a nonprofit that offers rock-climbing programs for Parkinson's patients, has significant implications for Midland residents affected by the disease. With 72 locations nationwide, it's likely only a matter of time before a similar program is established in the Permian Basin area. Local climbing gyms and recreation centers may consider partnering with Upending Parkinson's to bring this unique form of exercise and therapy to Midland. The program's focus on cognitive work and physical stretching could be particularly beneficial for local patients, who often face limited options for managing their symptoms. As the program continues to expand, Midland health and wellness organizations should take note of the success of Upending Parkinson's and explore ways to replicate its model in our community, providing new opportunities for residents with Parkinson's to improve their quality of life.

About this story

Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: parks · Published: July 2, 2026 · Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) · Reading time: 2 min

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When was this published?

This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Debra Alfarone at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards.

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Summary created by	The Midland Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Debra Alfarone, KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 2, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Saying ‘yes’ launched nationwide rock-climbing program for Parkinson’s patients

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