Celebrating a decade of running Chicago for a cause!
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 and avid marathon runner
This year marks a significant milestone for me: My 10th time running Chicago! What started as a personal challenge after the tragic Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 has blossomed into a decade-long journey of resilience, determination, and now, a platform to raise awareness for a cause very close to my heart.
In 2013, at 55, I was hardly what you’d call a “runner.” In 2013, at 55, I embarked on a journey of endless training miles. From the scenic coastal roads of New Hampshire to the beautiful city paths along the Charles River, I proudly completed my first marathon in 4 hours and 12 minutes, feeling happy and strong.
My PN journey: Finding strength in motion
Besides the concerns about the condition of my heart, 2023 brought a new, unexpected challenge: a suspicion of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in November, followed by a diagnosis of idiopathic polyneuropathy in January 2024. The burning and hypersensitivity in my feet caused by the nerve damage introduced a new layer of complexity to my marathon training. Initially, I was worried the 2024 Marathon might be my last.
However, I found ways to adapt and manage my symptoms. Physical therapy played a crucial role in strengthening my core and improving my overall fitness. Special insoles in my running shoes, fine-tuning my Gabapentin medication and applying Lidocaine patches before the race all contributed to a successful 2024 marathon. While it wasn’t my fastest, it was undoubtedly my most consistent, a testament to overcoming the hurdles peripheral neuropathy presented. Running, and exercise in general, has become an integral part of my daily life and a vital tool in managing my symptoms. I’m excited and ready for the upcoming 2025 Chicago event!
Running to raise awareness: Join me in supporting FPN!
My personal experience with Peripheral Neuropathy opened my eyes to the incredible value the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy (FPN) offers to patients. I realized running Chicago would be an ideal event to shine a light on this often-misunderstood nerve condition. My goal is to not only challenge myself physically but also to raise vital funds and awareness for peripheral neuropathy research, education, and patient support.
Will you help me reach my fundraising goal and support FPN? Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference in the lives of those affected by peripheral neuropathy. You can visit my fundraising page and contribute here, where are gifts go directly to the Foundation and are tax deductible: https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/Dieter-CHI2025
Calling all runners: Join the FPN fundraising team!
Are you also a registered runner for the 2025 Chicago run? Do you want to make your miles mean even more? I invite you to join me in fundraising for the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy! Let’s amplify our impact and bring much-needed attention to Peripheral Neuropathy. Imagine the collective power of a team running to support this important cause!
If you’re interested in running on behalf of FPN, please reach out to [email protected]
Together, we can race to fight PN!
