DOCTORS OF INTEREST
65
Treasure Coast Medical Report
DR. S. JAMES SHAFER
Age: 58
Lives in: Vero Beach
Family: Wife, Helen; daughters,
Ann Marie and Joanne; sons, Art,
Robert, Danny; four grandchildren
Education: Shands Hospital,
University of Florida, neurology
residency; Jackson Memorial Hospital,
internship, internal medicine;
University of Miami Miller
of of
School of Medicine
Hobbies: Running, triathlons, volunteering and traveling
the country promoting the Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in
Fort Pierce
What inspires me: “All of my days are good, and it is the
courage and will of my patients that motivates me every day.
The Rock Steady Boxing is not only physically beneficial to
those battling the disease of Parkinson’s, but every minute
they are in that gym they are fighting for their lives literally,
and for those few hours a week they feel empowered and allow
themselves to forget they have this progressive disabling
disease. It’s the greatest medicine I’ve ever prescribed!”
Something most people don’t know about me: “I raise
chickens!”
Shafer works with and for his patients in a group boxing atmosphere.
Shafer is seen with John Frazier on the right. In the background are Spike
English, left, and John Hartman.
the treatment,” says Shafer. “That’s the beautiful irony of it.
Non-contact boxing dramatically improves agility, hand-eye
coordination and daily functioning for patients who live each
day knowing that they are not going to get better. It’s a brutal
reality but boxing lets them fight back!”
Gus Curren adds, “We also have social activities outside
of the gym that give participants a sense of comradery and
community. It’s a support system unlike any other. They are
all literally fighting for their life but laughing and joking with
each other on the journey.”
Crawford “Spike” English, 57, was diagnosed with multiple
system atrophy, a rare form of Parkinson’s, in 2012 and
hasn’t missed a boxing session since the program started. “I
love coming to these sessions,” he says. “The workouts have
prolonged my ability to move, and I’m going to fight as long
as I’m able. Dr. Shafer and Gus are so dedicated and actually >>
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