06/27/2024
We think of Mike Aichin as the patriarch of our Rock Steady group, and it’s a title he holds both literally and figuratively. About a decade ago, Big Mike, as he is affectionately called here, was walking through North Attleboro and noticed the Striking Beauties boxing gym. Dena happened to be in the parking lot, so Mike stopped in to talk to her about possibly starting a Rock Steady group. Dena had previously been approached with this suggestion, but it was Big Mike who convinced her that if she would hold classes, he would fill them. It’s bean a promise Mike has kept … when asked how they learned of the program, new boxers frequently say they were put in contact with Mike Aichen who led them here.
Mike grew up in Attleboro and was a superstar athlete in high school, earning the title of Captain for the basketball team and a spot in the Hall of Fame at Bishop Feehan for both basketball and football. He was recruited to play football as a Defensive Tackle for the University of Rhode Island, where he spent seven years studying “nothing", but thoroughly enjoying college life. A knee injury ended Big Mike’s football career, but It was during these years Mike met his future wife, Gail, when they worked summers as a counselor and lifeguard for the YMCA. They saw a Bad Company concert for their first date, and will celebrate their 44th anniversary in July!
After leaving URI (“seven best years of my life,” Mike joked), he started work for his new father-in-law at his dry-cleaning business. While he originally did not intend to stay long, Mike found he really enjoyed the benefits and the business itself, and was there for 30 years. Mike and Gail had three kids during this time, Bed, Danielle, and Zach, and in the coming years would be blessed with five grandkids; Olivia, Thomas, Cecelia, Delilah, and Amelia. Family is truly the heart of Big Mike’s life, and their love and support have been monumental.
Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease about 17 years ago after he began noticing a slight tremor in his right hand and that his walking was stiff. The first event Mike’s family attended was the Unity Walk in New York City where 10,000 people walked to raise fund and awareness for Parkinsons. Expecting just his immediate family, Mike was overwhelmed when 82 friends and family showed up, coming by plane, train and automobile. It was at this event where Mike and his family decided they would do everything they could raise money for research, and created Team Dominaichin. In the years since inception, Team Dominaichin has raised over $450,000 for the APDA and the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Mike was honored at Bishop Feehan and recognized as a member of their Legends and Legacies group for the work he and his family have done for Parkinsons.
Big Mike is an integral member of our Rock Steady boxing program, and if you’ve met him, you love him!
* Favorite song: Crazy Train by Ozzy Ozborn
* Favorite food: ribs
* If he could live in any decade: Mike is a WWII buff, so the 1940s
* Favorite movie: Animal House
* Favorite book: The Adventures of Starkinsons, written by Gail and Mike Aichin
* Tattoo: a ram throwing a football
* If he created a band, it would be called “the Shakes”
* If he had 24 hours to spend $1,000,000, he’d buy season tickets to the Bruins, and then split the rest between his five grandkids
* Best gift he ever received: his three kids, then his five grandkids
*Famous people he’s met: Michael J. Fox, John Hannah, former
* Patriots player
* Number of states he’s lived in: 2, Massachusetts and Rhode Island
* Middle name: Henry, named after his dad
