Hometown Hero: Ellie Hagan
By Krystle J Bailey
Eleanor Hagan (aka Ellie) graduated with her master’s degree in physical therapy from Stockton University in 2000 at 50 years old. Her diverse background in sub-acute, outpatient, and homecare provided her a with an awareness that patients diagnosed with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease did not have a place to go for exercise, support, and education regarding their disease.
Hearing her patients describe their frustrations and limitations spurred Ellie to action. Upon opening Body in Balance Physical Therapy & Fitness Center in 2012, she devoted her time and research to understanding how to best serve the Parkinson’s Community. She had a calling in her heart to specialize in a much-needed service for the South Jersey area. She began this service by offering exercise classes to people diagnosed with PD. She was contacted by the Parkinson Council who helped her form the nonprofit Parkinson Life Center of Southern New Jersey, 502 (c) 3.
After attending the National Parkinson Foundation training, she learned that she could better serve this community by adding Occupational and Speech therapists to her team of professionals who were dedicated to improving the lives of the Parkinson client, their care-partners, and their familys. A Movement Disorder Specialist was also added to her team of experts helping the Parkinson Life Center of So. NJ become a “Beacon of Hope” for this population.
The Parkinson’s Life Center (PLC), which operates inside Body in Balance Rehabilitation offers Educational Seminars by PD specialists from Cooper, Drexel, Jefferson, and U of Pa. Monthly support group is held on the 1st Saturday of every month. Classes offered include, but not restricted to Dance, Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Big, PWR, Speech, Balance, and Rocksteady Boxing (two levels). All classes are research-based exercises for people diagnosed with a neurological movement disorder such as Parkinson’s Disease.
The goal is simple for Ellie and her team. Their goal is to offer every person diagnosed with PD and their care-partners the latest research-based exercises in a safe and supportive environment. A place where they can come when first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease for help and support as they travel this road. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease. Specialists and research support the fact that exercise is an essential treatment component for slowing the progression of this disease. Exercise is as important as their medication! No one should navigate this disease alone.
At the Parkinson Life Center, we offer fellowship, education, and support.
April is Parkinson Awareness Month. If you would like to get involved in this life changing program we are located at 314 Central Ave. Linwood, NJ. Or you can visit us at www.parkinsonlifecenterofsouthernnj.org or www.bodyinbalancerehab.com
Please call us at 609-365-8499 extension 1 for more information!
Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, freelance writer, and self published author.
