Support Doug's Journey Against SPS

As we all know, life doesn't always turn out the way we planned. Doug has been in a different kind of endurance event these past five years. In 2020 Doug's Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) symptoms started. SPS is a neurological disease with autoimmune features. Usually progressive over time, SPS symptoms include severe muscle spasms, rigid limbs and body, debilitating pain, and chronic anxiety. More information can be found at https://www.stiffperson.org/

That Spring of 2020 Doug started experiencing upper extremity jerking out of the blue which caused a bicycle crash. The spasms, clonus, and rigidity worsened resulting in more falls, broken ribs and too many head injuries through the past few years. One of the complications and main cause of death from SPS is injury from falls. When a person with SPS falls, they can't react to protect themselves, so the resulting fall related injury is more severe.

Doug can't do everything he used to do. He has had to let go of a lot, including his love of running, riding all out on his two wheel road bikes, swimming without fear he might freeze, quality sleep, toleration of loud and sudden noises or actions, driving on highways, keeping up with the kids activities as much as he wants to, his career as a Physical Therapist this past year, amongst many other things.

He doesn't give up though, he keeps putting one foot in front of the other, and he keeps fighting. Doug is trying his best to be a good dad, husband, person, and get through each day. One of the best ways to counteract the stiffness and anxiety is by safely moving in calm environments. For him that means starting his days early in the morning by bumping down steps and walking in the grass with his walking sticks. He tries to incorporate mindfulness and meditation, staying warm, infusions, various therapies, trialing medications, supplements, diets, and most importantly frequent movement.

Life is like a bicycle, in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. -Albert Einstein

Any disease, injury, loss is hard to deal with. Doug has completed several marathons, triathlons, mountain climbs, and was a solid left-hand pitcher from Little League to Miami University. He helped others move for a living. We met each other and many other good friends through triathlon. That was our thing. Swim, bike, running, hiking, moving. With both of us valuing movement so much and Doug not being able to feel and move as he used to, I would love to show him support from old and new friends and family near and far. Let's gift him with some joy and hope. When challenges show up, we sometimes get so focused on the struggle and forget that our simple interactions with each other are really all that matters. Love is the source of life, and nothing makes us happier than love. So please consider lifting Doug's spirts by showing him some birthday love this March 13th in any of the following ways: