Ruben runs half marathon for long COVID research: "I see for myself how devastating it is"

Ruben Treurniet is preparing to run the Amsterdam half marathon this coming Sunday to raise essential funds for long COVID research. His motivation stems from the personal struggle of his brother, Lex, who has been severely impacted by the condition since late 2023. Lex, who suffers from extreme exhaustion and sensory overload, spends most of his days bedridden and isolated from his former social life. Witnessing his brother's daily challenges has driven Ruben to advocate for more scientific investment into the illness.

So far, the fundraising campaign has successfully collected over two thousand euros, with a new target set at three thousand. Ruben expresses gratitude for the contributions from both acquaintances and strangers. Both brothers emphasize that urgent medical research is vital to finding solutions for long COVID patients who currently lack adequate support systems. They hope that mobilizing the scientific community will eventually lead to breakthroughs that can improve the lives of those suffering from the long-term effects of the virus.