Coachmen’s Don Sheliga Fights Back Against Parkinson’s – RVBusiness – Breaking RV Industry News
Thirteen years ago, Don Sheliga started working as an engineer for Coachmen RV, a Middlebury, Ind.-based division of Forest River Inc.
Twelve years ago, he got the news that changed everything. That’s when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
But Sheliga is not alone in his fight. His wife, Linda, has been by his side since day one. He credits her with giving him the fighting spirit that’s on display at Rock Steady Gym.
Sheliga said his wife was watching CBS’ “Sunday Morning” after he was diagnosed. The show had a story on Rock Steady Gym’s original location in Indianapolis. Inspired by how the training was helping patients slow the progression of their Parkinson’s symptoms, the pair began driving to Indianapolis for boxing classes. Classes, Sheliga said, helped manage his symptoms.
But driving back and forth to Indianapolis started to take its toll.
“After about six months I said, ‘You know, maybe we can do this up here.’”
So Sheliga took the initiative and, along with several others, started Rock Steady Gym Michiana in 2016. They now have two locations to serve the community. The Elkhart gym holds classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The South Bend gym holds evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from six to 7:30, and at 9:30 on Saturday mornings.
Though less than a decade old, Rock Steady Michiana has seen steady growth. Sheliga says there are about forty people at the South Bend gym, plus another 30 regulars at the Elkhart classes.
While the work is rewarding, running two gyms is not an easy feat. It’s taken a village to help keep the lights on, and his employers have been a big help.
“Forest River has been so nice,” Sheliga said. “This year, they actually gave me a $500 check donation. I’d like to challenge the other manufacturers and vendors to meet it or beat it.”
The chance for manufacturers and vendors to meet or beat that $500 donation is coming up at the end of the month.
A fundraising gala will be at 5 p.m., April 26, at Morris Park Country Club in South Bend. It will include a silent auction.
Sheliga’s goal is to raise at least $75,000 for Rock Steady Boxing in Michiana. He’s hoping donors will feel called to help.
“Boxing has all the things that people with Parkinson’s lose – balance, mobility, agility, movement,” Sheliga said. “The program works. Our goal for everybody is to slow down Parkinson’s… so that the quality of life gets better.”
To purchase tickets to the fundraising gala, or bid on silent auction items, visit RockSteadyBoxingMichiana.com.
Don is also thankful for the support from Forest River’s management team.
“Forest River has been so nice,” Sheliga said. “They’ve accommodated me with my certain issues. If I need time off, they give it to me within reason. They let me leave early if I’m having a bad day, let me come in late if I’m having a bad day. They’ve just been super. Zach Eppers and Bob Dumm – I mean, I couldn’t think more highly of two people.”
