Kelsey Waffle was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy at age 23, but her autonomic symptoms began much earlier. What started as unexplained health issues slowly grew into a condition that deeply changed her active and creative life. In this FPN patient interview, Kelsey’s mother and caregiver, Debbie Waffle, shares her daughter’s journey. She opens up about […]
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Author Will Schwalbe shares an update on living with small fiber neuropathy, the power of friendship, and lessons learned along the way. In this conversation with our FPN Program Manager, he reflects on adaptation, support, and hope for those navigating life with neuropathy. Will’s original story was shared in 2020 where he shares an article […]
FPN Program Manager Amanda Homscheid catches up with longtime FPN supporter and donor Susan W., who has been living with peripheral neuropathy for over 15 years. Susan shares how her journey has evolved since first telling her story, what helps her manage symptoms and what gives her hope for the future of PN research. Thank […]
When Matt first began showing signs of neuropathy, he and his wife, Cassie, didn’t realize how difficult the journey ahead would be. They faced confusing advice, failed treatments, and constant worries about the future. Through it all, they learned how important it is to have honest information and real support. Cassie shares their story in […]
Read More… from Neuropathy patient advocacy is the answer: Widow finds hope in Foundation’s purpose
An update 14 years later by Jack Miller, FPN founder “18 years ago, I founded the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy because I was looking for a cure for my (and others’) neuropathy. We haven’t found it yet, but the search is continuing, and The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy is helping in many ways. Your support […]
We’re thrilled to share a follow-up from Dieter R., an avid marathoner, passionate FPN advocate, and someone living with idiopathic polyneuropathy. After first sharing his story in our October 2024 patient feature, Dieter returns with an inspiring update as he takes on his next big challenge. A decade of determination By Dieter Reuther, PN patient […]
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My name is Gabi, and I’m 21 with peripheral neuropathy caused by a surgical injury. But honestly, that’s just a footnote—let me tell you how I got here. Eyes on the sky Back in 2022, I was fresh out of high school, ready to take on the world. I had a supportive family, a suitcase […]
My pain journey started almost a decade ago with horrific discomfort in my feet, calf muscles, and coccyx (tailbone). I went from a full life of adventure, hard work, and constant motion to being almost completely grounded from pain. Like many people who develop pain almost overnight, I became obsessed with finding answers and treatments. […]
In December 2020, Amy, a 74-year-old New Yorker with a career in construction, was working remotely to avoid COVID-19. After a rare on-site meeting, she tested positive for the virus. Along with the typical symptoms, there was an added surprise; Amy developed peripheral neuropathy (PN). Though she’d experienced mild numbness in her toes the previous […]
Boston Marathon Tragedy: A Day That Changed Everything The television flickered with images of the elite runners and the wheelchair athletes surging forward, the energy of the Boston Marathon palpable even through the screen. It was April 15, 2013, a day etched in my memory. I had watched the runners begin their journey in Hopkinton, […]
Read More… from Running Through the Pain: Finding Strength in the Face of Polyneuropathy