This fundraiser supports the 2026 World Encephalitis Day Appeal and the work of Encephalitis International.

After being diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis in late 2024, my life was reshaped in ways I never anticipated, highlighting just how much support and understanding are needed.

Throughout the month, I’ll walk 2 miles every day and complete a 30-day calisthenics workout challenge to represent the daily resilience, determination, and recovery required by those affected by encephalitis.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, caused by either an infection or the immune system attacking the brain in error.

Worldwide, someone is affected every 20 seconds. Encephalitis is a thief. Depending on the cause, even with treatment, up to 4 in 10 people affected will die.

Despite this, 77% of people have never heard of encephalitis.