Cyclist Rides Cross-Country to Raise Awareness for Rare Nerve Condition

Gregory Maassen's personal journey with small fiber sensory neuropathy inspires advocacy and research funding.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gregory Maassen's battle with a rare nerve condition, post-infectious small fiber sensory neuropathy, has led him on a remarkable journey. After spending nearly a year bedridden, he found healing through regular exercise, which inspired him to embark on cross-country cycling trips to raise awareness and funds for peripheral neuropathy research.

Why it matters

Maassen's story highlights the growing trend of patients becoming active advocates for their own health and for research into rare diseases. Sharing personal experiences can humanize complex medical conditions and inspire others to seek diagnosis and treatment. His cycling journeys also exemplify how physical activity can be a cornerstone of recovery for those living with peripheral neuropathy.

The details

Maassen's initial symptoms began after a hike in South Africa where he encountered a nest of 70-80 ticks. The pain returned with increasing intensity, and he spent nearly a year bedridden before receiving a diagnosis of small fiber sensory neuropathy at Johns Hopkins in 2019. Under the care of Dr. Ahmet Hoke, Maassen's treatment and regular exercise proved pivotal to his recovery. This led him to channel his energy into cross-country cycling, with the goal of raising awareness and funding for peripheral neuropathy research.

  • Maassen's initial symptoms began after a hike in South Africa in 2017.
  • He was diagnosed with small fiber sensory neuropathy at Johns Hopkins in 2019.
  • Maassen completed a transcontinental cycling ride in 2022, which was documented in a film screened by Johns Hopkins.
  • Maassen's current journey will take him from West Palm Beach, Florida to Los Angeles, beginning on March 1, 2026.

The players

Gregory Maassen

A cyclist who is on a mission to raise awareness and funding for research into peripheral neuropathy after battling a rare nerve condition, post-infectious small fiber sensory neuropathy.

Dr. Ahmet Hoke

The director and professor at the Center of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who provided Maassen's treatment.

Merkin PNNR Center for Peripheral Neuropathy Research

The organization that Maassen has raised over $26,000 for to support research into peripheral neuropathy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When you go across America on a bicycle, you see the country different from the car. I have met so many fantastic people who host me who want to listen to my story.”

— Gregory Maassen (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Maassen plans to continue dedicating his cycling rides to raising awareness and funds for peripheral neuropathy research.

The takeaway

Maassen's personal journey with a rare nerve condition has inspired him to become an advocate for those living with peripheral neuropathy. His cross-country cycling rides not only aid in his own recovery, but also help to humanize this complex medical condition and drive support for further research.