People dance away to battle Parkinson's Disease

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The movements may be small, but the impact is far from it.

"I can walk in here with a bad attitude and walk out feeling much better than when I came in and I think it's important to keep a positive attitude to get through this because every day is different," Ed said.

Every Wednesday, Ed and about a dozen others battling Parkinson's Disease dance in ways that instructor Debbie Braganza customizes just for them.

"I have experience with dance, but I don't have experience with what it's like to have Parkinson's, so whatever they can do, I don't push them," she said.

Although, it's not always easy, according to Janice Mannke.

"With Parkinson's, it's sometimes difficult to get the muscles and the limbs to move in the order you want them to," she said.

Jennifer Chamberlain says it's something that's not only good for their bodies, but also for their souls.

"The comradery that we have and the laughing and the fun, I think, takes the emphasis off the Parkinson's and we just have a good time together," she said.

The importance of that, they say, can't be overstated.

"You can't run away from it, but you can try to maintain a positive attitude in the process," Chamberlain said.

The class costs only $10 and takes place every Wednesday at 11 a.m. near 28th Street and Washington.