WESTFIELD–When Westfield firefighter Greg Heath was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease three years ago, it came with not just a concern about his career, but with how it would limit his connection with the community.
However, with an action taken by Mayor Brian Sullivan yesterday, Heath said that he felt assured that the connection would continue even after his career was over.
Westfield firefighter Greg Heath (red shirt, holding the proclamation) stands beside Mayor Brian Sullivan (to right of Heath), along with the residents and others on hand for the proclamation. On Friday, May 19, Sullivan announced that April would be Parkinson’s Awareness Month in Westfield
Sullivan signed a proclamation in front of Heath and other Westfield residents impacted by Parkinson’s, officially making April Parkinson’s Awareness Month in the Whip City. Sullivan made the announcement alongside Heath, who is pursuing legislation related to the disease and firefighters and first responders, as well as Chad Moir, founder of Easthampton-based DopaFit, a Parkinson’s-wellness center, and board member of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. Also in attendance were several Westfield residents who have been impacted by or who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
“I wondered how long I could work as a firefighter and if it would cause a severed bond with the community,” Heath said about his diagnosis. “With this proclamation the bond will never be broken.”
The origin of the designation came after Moir, whose mother died following complications from the disease when she was 55, had approached the city and Sullivan with the support of others, in order to try and raise awareness for the disease and to honor those in Westfield that are impacted by the illness.
“We chose Westfield because many of those affected are from Westfield and they love their community,” Moir said.
Sally Ritchaotte (right) shows off what she learned with Chad Moir (left) through “Rock Steady Boxing” at DopaFit, a Parkinson’s-wellness center based in Easthampton, at Friday’s Parkinson’s Awareness Month proclamation
As for the choice of month, it fit well with what was already established nationally. April is known as Parkinson’s Awareness month, among other designations.
Moir has also worked with Heath and many others at DopaFit, where those battling the disease take the fight to punching bags and other boxing training equipment through their “Rock Steady Boxing” program.
And as a treat for Sullivan and the others who made the designation possible, Moir and Westfield resident Sally Ritchaotte showed off their pugilism prowess, with Ritchaotte releasing a flurry of fists on a couple of boxing pads Moir held up while at the ceremony.
For more information on what you can do to help, including signing a petition, visit Heath’s change.org petition page located here.
