Derek Stefureac was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 39, which led to his decision to quit smoking and start jogging to improve his health. Now, 13 years later, he has completed 36 marathons, including ones on all seven continents. He has built a community of runners, connected with others with his condition, and even managed to reverse the progression of his multiple sclerosis through his dedication to an active lifestyle. Stefureac’s story is an inspiring example of how a healthy body can be a powerful tool in managing chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system by attacking the protective sheath covering nerve fibers. This causes communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a variety of symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and blurred vision. While the disease is unpredictable, exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices have been shown to play a significant role in managing multiple sclerosis. Even though exercise may not reverse the disease’s progression, it can help limit co-morbidities and promote the plasticity of the nervous system to improve function and compensate for damage caused by the disease.
Stefureac’s case is unique in that he has seen signs of disability improvement since he began his fitness journey. While many people with multiple sclerosis may experience a slowing of disability progression, seeing actual improvement in disease progression is rare. Stefureac no longer deals with symptoms of multiple sclerosis on a regular basis and only thinks about it when he needs to refill his prescription or make an appointment. His dedication to exercise, particularly cardiovascular training like running, has had a profound impact on his overall health and well-being.
Having achieved his goal of running a marathon on every continent, Stefureac is now looking to participate in even more extreme events like marathons in challenging environments such as the North Pole and Mount Kilimanjaro. He also has his sights set on a five-day race across the Sahara Desert and an Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. Stefureac hopes that his story can inspire others dealing with multiple sclerosis or other chronic health conditions to take control of their health and pursue their own fitness goals. He credits his diagnosis with turning his life around and leading him to a path of physical and mental strength.
Stefureac’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and determination in overcoming obstacles, both physical and mental. His story highlights the importance of lifestyle choices in managing chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis, as well as the impact that regular exercise and a positive mindset can have on overall health and well-being. By sharing his experiences and achievements, Stefureac hopes to encourage others to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle and take control of their own health despite any challenges they may face. His message is one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of taking charge of one’s health and fitness.
