Newly designated Doug Kuntz Neuroscience Center honors golf pro’s fight against Parkinson’s

April 7, 2025 -- Just a month after his 50^th birthday, Doug Kuntz's yearlong journey to find out why he was favoring his left side ended in an unexpected diagnosis: He had Parkinson's disease.

It was an outcome the longtime golf pro at Elks Country Club in Richmond found difficult to grasp at first.

"At that moment, I thought my life was turned upside down," Kuntz wrote in "The Front Nine," a book documenting his early years with the disease. "As it turned out, Parkinson's has actually turned my life right side up.

"This may sound crazy, but being diagnosed with Parkinson's made me realize how blessed I am. Through this adversity, I have been given the opportunity to help others who have Parkinson's just like me."

Over the next 14 years, Kuntz was the driving force behind the Pro's Players FORE Parkinson's golf tournament at the Elks, raising nearly $1 million to help bring more awareness to the disease and to help establish and support the Rock Steady Boxing program at Reid Health.

"When people get a serious diagnosis like this, they often think, 'Why me?' or just sit around and do nothing," said Zack Palmer, who succeeded Kuntz as the Elks' golf pro. "Doug's mindset was I want to go do something about it and not just sit here and let it defeat me.

"He knew how to raise money using the golf course. That's what he was best at, so that's what he took advantage of."

In honor of Kuntz's efforts to improve the lives of those living with Parkinson's, Reid Health has named a space in the Reid Neurology Associates practice on the health system's main campus The Doug Kuntz Neuroscience Center.

"This space recognizes and celebrates Doug's legacy to fight this disease and lift up others along the way," said Jason Troutwine, Reid Health Vice President/Foundation President.

"Doug is one of the most remarkable people I've ever met. Many people strive to have one legacy in life. Doug has multiple, and his impact on Reid and on the community is one to celebrate."

Kuntz -- who died in December 2024, a month short of his 66^th birthday -- wasn't one who sought attention, keeping his name off the tournament he started. But that doesn't mean he wouldn't have been overjoyed in having a space at Reid bear his name.

"When I found out about the naming, it blew me away. Doug would be so proud," said Kuntz's wife, Marianne.

"When you see Pro's Players FORE Parkinson's -- when you see that logo or you hear someone talk about it -- instantly you think of Doug Kuntz," Palmer said. "That's legacy right there.

"I think Doug's smiling down now."

A non-contact rehabilitation class, Rock Steady Boxing helps to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease through exercise. In 2013, Reid became the first hospital affiliate of the program.

Kuntz was among the first participants in the local class and continued to attend for several years until his disease progressed to the point where he struggled to stand.

"Rock Steady Boxing has changed my life," said Connie Kreider, a participant in the program for nearly two years. "I'm more active and feeling better.

"I thank God we have a place to give us back our life for today and hopefully will help us for many days ahead."

Reid's Rock Steady Boxing program is also funded in part by a community grant from the Parkinson's Foundation. Classes are available in Richmond. For more information, call (765) 935-8570 or visit reidhealth.org/rock.

"When people get a serious diagnosis like this, they often think, 'Why me?' or just sit around and do nothing. Doug's mindset was I want to go do something about it and not just sit here and let it defeat me." -- Zack Palmer, golf pro at the Elks Country Club in Richmond