Worldwide, a child or an adult is diagnosed with encephalitis (brain inflammation) every minute. Encephalitis is a killer! Being of infectious or autoimmune mediated origin it will either choose to kill the affected subject or to severely impair its psychosocial functioning.

Being a medical doctor who went through trainings in Neurology and Infectious Diseases I observed full recovery when appropriate treatment was initiated immediately upon correct recognition of nervous system infection. However, I am also familiar with the downside - many conditions not being fully understood or lacking curative treatments today.

Encephalitis International is an award-winning UK-based charity/non-profit organisation operating since 1994 in providing support and information to affected patients and families, raising awareness (World Encephalitis Day February 22), funding and promotion of biomedical research projects allover the globe:

https://www.encephalitis.info/

Encephalitis International collaborated on a recently published report highlighting the global encephalitis impact, identifying gaps in diagnosis and treatment in acute setting and long-term care of patients suffering encephalitis as well as their social environment. It also includes a ten year strategic plan for concrete improvements:

https://www.encephalitis.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Global-Impact-Report-Feb-2024.pdf

I became a passionate ultramarathon trail runner over recent years. There are moments of pride, pleasure and (depending on the race perhaps more frequently) suffering. A lot of things may pass through your mind on the long trails. I recently wondered how someone being lucky enough to have survived severe encephalitis, however suffering profound neuropsychiatric impairment, can come up with the endurance to cope with an "ultramarathon" on a daily basis. We have to provide the much needed support!

This year I will take part in the Ultra Tour of Arran race held in Scotland. Raising awareness for infectious diseases of the nervous system I am going to wear a bowler hat on this two-day 60 mile (97km) run with a vertical gain of 10000 feet (3048m):

https://www.ratrace.com/ultra-tour-of-arran

Doing so I hope to fundraise for Encephalitis International. My goal is to raise a minimum of 5000€. None of your kind donations will be used for travel expense or race fee. Thank you very much for your support!

madrunningneuroinfectologist@gmail.com