'A Tough Guy With A Huge Heart' | Bristol-Warren Hero

BRISTOL-WARREN, RI — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Annie Millard, who nominated Rich Gingras, of Bristol-Warren. Gingras teaches boxing and physical fitness to disabled Parkinson's disease patients in Warwick.

"Rich Gingras is a New England Light-heavyweight champ who is making a huge difference to people suffering from Parkinson's Disease," Millard said. "His place, 'The Parkinson's Place' a gym specifically made for teaching non-contact boxing, gait training, balance and more. This is a tough guy with a huge heart who has found a way to make a huge difference in the lives of local Parkinson's sufferers."

Thank you for all you do, Rich!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

Read about other heroes from across Rhode Island here.