Neuropathy News April 2026
FPN’s second annual Neuropathy Advocacy Day
We held our second annual Neuropathy Advocacy Day on March 11. It was an important day to speak up for the 30 million Americans living with peripheral neuropathy.
Together, we asked Congress to support more research and better care for people affected by this condition.
A powerful new study to predict and prevent anti-MAG neuropathy
Scientists are studying a rare nerve disease called anti-MAG neuropathy. This new research study is helping doctors find signs that may predict how the disease will progress and could lead to better ways to treat – or even prevent – it in the future.
The lead researcher of the study, Dr. Perry van Doormaal stated, “We are grateful for the FPN’s commitment to and support of the scientific field of peripheral neuropathy and look forward to a productive collaboration.”
We’ve already raised $415,000 toward this anti-MAG research project and need your help to reach $525,000, which will fully fund this study. Contact [email protected] to learn more.
Get ready for Peripheral Neuropathy Awareness Week: May 3-9, 2026
Want to support the Foundation and spread awareness of peripheral neuropathy? Check out our merch store! Get the gear you need to spread awareness about PN.
FPN Webinar: Shedding light on idiopathic PN – Recent advances in understanding
Join us during Awareness Week on May 5 as we discuss idiopathic neuropathy. In this webinar sponsored by Lilly, Shanna Patterson, MD, MS, FAAN, will present possible causes that are often missed, including metabolic health and immune factors. She’ll also explain what “idiopathic” neuropathy means and why it can be hard to find answers. We’ll cover common patient questions and share tips for better communication with your healthcare provider. This presentation will end with a live Q&A
Behind the lab coat: Q&A with Dr. Townsend
Kristy Townsend, PhD is a researcher and Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State University’s College of Medicine. She is also vice president of the FPN Board of Directors. Dr. Townsend recently spoke on our webinar, Behind the lab coat: How medical research really works. We sat down with her to answer more of the questions submitted during the program’s live Q&A.
Interview with Debbie Waffle: Kelsey’s story
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 the pain, uncertainty, and many emotions their family experienced along the way. Debbie also tells the touching story of Kelsey’s beloved dog, Brody, who became a therapy dog after Kelsey passed away, helping to carry on her dream.
PNS Webinar: Metabolic Disease and Peripheral Neuropathy – Mechanistic Insights from Bench to Bedside
Presented by our friends at the Peripheral Nerve Society, this April 29 webinar is about how diseases like obesity and diabetes can damage nerves. Experts, including FPN Board Vice President Kristy Townsend, PhD, will share new research about why this nerve damage happens. They will talk about how obesity alone can cause nerve problems, how fat tissue is connected to nerves, and how new weight-loss drugs might help or harm nerve health.
Anti-MAG Neuropathy At-Home Research Opportunity
You can help advance research from the comfort of your own home. On behalf of Sanguine Biosciences, we’re sharing a new at-home research opportunity for those diagnosed with anti-MAG neuropathy.
To learn more or sign up, click here or call (617)-397-3750 to speak with a research coordinator and see if you qualify.
2027 Neuropathy Symposium
FPN is excited to announce the 2027 Jack & Goldie Wolfe Miller Neuropathy Symposium. This event will bring together the neuropathy community, including patients, researchers, healthcare providers, innovators, and government agencies to celebrate FPN’s 20th anniversary.
Date: October 5-6, 2027
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Stay informed about this event on our Symposium webpage and by opening up our emails. Registration will open later in 2026.
