From Bedridden to 50K: Running for TSW Awareness

Hi, my name is Kekoa Loschky.

I'm a former Army combat medic and for the past year, I've been fighting a battle I never saw coming: Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).

TSW hit me just days after I left the military. Within weeks, I went from strong and active to completely bedridden. My skin burned, oozed, and shed. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't walk. I'd wake up with my wounds interwoven to the bedding. I was logging fewer than 50 steps a day, just enough to reach the bathroom with help. This was my life for months.

I had given up.

Then I heard my old Army watch beep. It was still set to 1508 (3:08)  the number of my unit. That sound hit something deep inside. It reminded me of who I was before all this. Our motto was:

"Get in the fight."

So I did.

I forced myself to walk to the backyard fence. I was in pain, barely standing - but I touched that fence.

Then I did it again the next day. And the next.

My eyes full of tears, my arms and legs bleeding but I kept going.

Over time, the distance grew and walking turned to jogging.

And now, months later, I can run over 10 miles.

Why I’m Running

I'm running not because I'm fully recovered but because I refuse to let TSW steal the rest of my life.

I'm doing this for everyone still stuck in bed, wondering if they'll ever make it out.

I've committed to a series of races to raise awareness, inspire hope, and bring visibility to this overlooked condition:

- July 26, 2025 - Half Marathon in Hawaii

- December 2025 - Full Marathon in Hawaii

- March 2026 - Way Too Cool 50K in Northern California - one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the country, and the heart of this comeback story

Where The Funds Will Go

70% of all proceeds will be donated to the TSW nonprofit ITSAN

The remaining funds will:

- Support care packages for people early in their TSW journey

- Cover basic race gear and entry fees

Due to my condition, I haven't been able to work - and it's been tough just making ends meet. I'm not asking for luxury, just the basics.

This Is Just the Beginning

The Way Too Cool 50K is more than a race. It's a symbol of healing, of hope, and of taking my life back. But it's not the end.

I'll keep running faster, further, and louder to bring strength to others still in the fight.

I've also created a “Run/Walk for TSW”group on Strava, open to anyone who wants to move in honor of this journey.

There's still fight in us, even when it feels like there's none left.

This is proof that you can outrun your limitations. One step, one day at a time.

With Gratitude,

Kekoa Loschky