Member Reviews
I have been a member of the Banner Neuro Wellness (BNW) for three weeks and feel very fortunate to have been able to find this diamond-in-the rough. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) four years ago and have been treated by physical therapists at four different clinics in South Chandler. One clinic told me “We don’t have the expertise” to provide you with therapy. Another two didn’t have the expertise and treated me to the best of their ability; but it just didn’t seem to be meeting my needs. A fourth had the expertise but felt like a factory mill that assigned you to a different PT each visit. I never felt connected to this impersonal practice.
Then I found BNW! Recognizing that PD affects no two people the same, BNW has developed a one-stop-shopping program that offers support for all the modalities: including speech, occupational and physical therapy; as well as access to men’s and women’s support groups; socialization activities; and even weekly ‘Coffee Talks.”
What really impressed me from the outset was the staff and ancillary instructors who provided instruction in Yoga, Tai Chi, and boxing all under the same roof. I started thinking of BNW as
Camp Banner. Applying cutting edge trends in PD treatment, Camp Banner employs PWR Training, which consists of setting up a series (called a circuit) of physical challenges that have demonstrated benefits to PD specific problem areas, such as muscle elasticity, strengthening, and balance.
What makes it work? The treatment team - a dedicated crew of expertly trained individuals who are very good at what they do. Some of their exercises put you through “hurdles" quite literally. If you follow their instructions and participate on a regular basis, you will feel better at all the afore mentioned areas that impact PD patients. In this short time, I have become more flexible, stronger, and more balanced. And it is fun to work with my fellow PD members and staff, who support and encourage each other. So, Kudos to the team: Andrew, Christian, Damarris, and Madison for their training skills, and Annette the Director, for making this groundbreaking model program possible!
— Jeff S. “The BNW center offers its members so much in addition to its wonderful exercise program which helps both physically and emotionally. Some of the other programs include; coffee talks by neurologists and others active in the PD field, creative writing, music and dance, speech aid, and the extremely important support groups for both the PD members and also for their care partners. My wife, Joyce and I consider ourselves to be lucky and fortunate to have found the Banner Neuro Wellness Center which we joined about 2 weeks after its opening. It has been just a welcoming, supportive and encouraging place because of the programs it offers, but more importantly the wonderful people we’ve met along the way with great staff who we consider our friends & 2nd family and we love them all!”
— Al S.“The wellness center is full of information on PD including neurologist that specialize in movement disorders, something we did not know we needed at the time. Thanks to the information I now have a movement disorder neurologist. This loving family, known as the Banner Neuro Wellness Center, was born out of the generous gift from the Fitzgerald Family. One must only come to visit the family home to appreciate the gift of a second life following the diagnosis of PD.”
— Dave F.“Banner Neuro Wellness is a dream come true. I now have a place near my home where I can exercise in ways specifically designed to help people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. I truly feel better after exercising at Banner Neuro Wellness. At Banner Neuro Wellness, I am part of a caring local group of people - PWP, carers and staff - they are all part of my support group. I am grateful for Banner Neuro Wellness in more ways than I can count!”
— Sheila F.“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, Banner Neuro Wellness & the NWCO have positively impacted my life and helped me manage my advanced Parkinson’s over the last four years. Having knowledgeable staff who keep workouts challenging yet enjoyable, combined with a strong social community makes a big difference in managing neurological conditions. I highly encourage you to contact BNW & NWCO today which will lead to big rewards tomorrow.”
— Bill P.