02/04/2024
Story 2/11
This story encapsulates Rune Vethe's journey from diagnosis to becoming a dedicated advocate for Parkinson's awareness and exercise. The following text highlights his resilience, determination, and the positive impact of physical activity on his life.
Even before his 's diagnosis in 2009 at the age of 34, Rune Vethe was an active person, deeply involved in sports. He tells he started feeling rigidity in his hand and wrist, noticing the subtle changes in his body. "I remember trying to turn my fork while eating, struggling with simple tasks," Rune recalls.
The realization that something was wrong prompted him to seek medical help. After a visit to his GP and a subsequent appointment with a neurologist, the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was confirmed in an usual way: through a phone call from his neurologist. "Hearing those words and getting this rough diagnosis was a heavy moment," he remembers. Rune, a father of two young boys at the time (aged three and one, respectively), felt the weight of uncertainty about his future role as a father.
Despite the initial blow, Rune decided early on to face his diagnosis head-on. "The symptoms weren't debilitating at first. I was still working full-time, and with medication, life seemed relatively normal," he reflects. However, it was not just about managing the physical symptoms; it was also a mental shift. "I started to prioritize what truly mattered to me, letting go of things that weren't as important."
Rune explains that six years ago, after retiring from his job as a family therapist/educational therapist, he gradually switched to focusing his time on Parkinson's initiatives and exercise, which became a cornerstone of his life. "I've always been active, but after my diagnosis, it became a lifeline." It was during this time that he discovered Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact boxing program designed for people with Parkinson's.
"We went to the World Parkinson Congress in Montreal in 2013 and discovered Rock Steady Boxing International HQ. It was tough to start something new, but it made a huge difference," Rune shares. He became a certified boxing coach and brought the program to Norway, making it accessible to others in the Parkinson's community.
But boxing is just one part of his routine. Rune also embraced cycling, both outdoors and indoors. " was a passion I had to put on hold for a while, but with indoor cycling programs, like Zwift it became a year-round activity," he explains. Zwift, an online platform, allowed Rune to cycle with others from around the world, including people with Parkinson's like himself.
"We founded ZWAP (Zwifters Against Parkinson)," Rune proudly states. "It's not just about exercise; it's a community. We cycle together, support each other, and even organize virtual rides and events." The club quickly grew, with participants from the UK, Canada, and beyond, all united by a shared goal of staying active despite Parkinson's.
Their activities weren't limited to the virtual world. Last summer, Rune and his cycling club embarked on a journey from Brighton in the UK to Barcelona for the . "It was an incredible experience, cycling for a cause," he recalls.
Next August, Rune is gearing up for the Race (PD version of the professional Arctic Race), an eight-day cycling tour above the Arctic Circle in Norway. "It's a 650 km journey, and we have 22 cyclists joining, including 14 with Parkinson's," he shares enthusiastically. "It's about pushing boundaries, proving that Parkinson's doesn't define us."
