Muhammad and Lonnie Ali (center and right) tour the new Muhammad Ali
Parkinsons Center.
New Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center Opens
Muhammad Ali is once again joining St. Joseph’s in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. In early December, St. Joseph’s opened the new Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center (MAPC) at Barrow. Both Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, were on hand to join in the celebration.
The new state-of-the-art center is located on the third floor of the Muhammad and Lonnie Ali Pavilion (formerly named the 240 Building). With 10,000 square feet of space, the MAPC is double the size of the original center and includes 10 exam rooms, a tremor exam room, a Botulinum toxin treatment room, a tilt room to help evaluate patients with orthostatic hypertension and a balance lab. In addition, it features physical, occupational, and speech therapy rooms; a multipurpose room for education and recreation; a resource room with books, videos and computers; and a store that sells educational materials and equipment.
As a result of having additional space, physicians expect to double the amount of patients they annually see at the center. That means approximately 1,600 new patients will receive care, and thousands of patients and families will participate in the many recreational and educational activities the center offers.
The MAPC is continuing a proud tradition. Since the original center opened in 1997, people from across the nation have sought its care.
“When the original center opened at Barrow, we knew that we were embarking on a historic project that would change many lives,” said Abraham Lieberman, MD, MAPC director. “Thousands of people have come to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center for help and hope. Muhammad is ‘the Greatest,’ and with our tremendous medical team and researchers, and our unparalleled community programs, this center is truly a reflection of Muhammad’s greatness and Barrow’s reputation.”
Muhammad Ali is a three-time Heavy Weight Boxing Champion and considered by many to be the most famous athlete in history. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984 and his family has supported the center since its inception. Last year, St. Joseph’s 240 Building was renamed the Muhammad and Lonnie Ali Pavilion in honor of the couple’s many contributions to the center.
“Muhammad and I are delighted to share in the excitement of the grand opening of this new center,” says Lonnie. “Our overriding goal is to help patients and their families live full and productive lives. This disease has been a journey for us and we have received a lot of help along the way. Our hope is that this center helps many others in their journey.”
The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center has been named a Center of Excellence by the National Parkinson’s Foundation, a designation that is held only at 27 other hospitals in the United States.
