In December 2019, the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s granted additional funds to support and expand the Big and Loud alumni program for 2020.  Below is an update from the LSVT Big & Loud team:

The LSVT BIG & LOUD alumni program at Spectrum Health Hospital began as an idea of Kirk Gibson in December of 2017. He realized how important it is to continue to exercise your body, mind, and voice to fight the effects of Parkinson’s Disease. He gave a gift to the Spectrum Health Foundation as seed funding to see if this program could become a reality. Kerri Vryhof and Lea Norbotten began developing a program that combines working on voice and movement exercises to counter-act the effects of PD.

They started a pilot group in 2018 and it was an astounding success with more patients wanting to take part. Two additional therapists were trained in 2019. There are currently 4 classes per week with 45 people attending the classes. Additional donors contributed to the program and in 2020 it will be offered in other Spectrum Health Hospitals throughout Western Michigan. We are so thankful for Kirk’s vision and support. Lives are being impacted every day through the program and the care giver support groups that have formed!