Stroke Victim Runs in Condell Race

Pioneer Press

Less than three years ago, Libertyville resident Jeff Rizner suffered a stroke that left the right side of his body paralized for about two months.

This Sunday Rizner will join about 1,500 runners in the Condell Distance Classic in Libertyville, where he will run a 10-K race for the second straight year.

Rizner's miraculous recovery fro the stroke he suffered February 2001 is a testament to what hard work and determination can mean in recovering from serious illness.

The stroke, caused by an abnormality to an artery in the brain, was a devastating blow to Rizner, who was only 37 at the time. “I was thinking I was only in my 30s. I couldn't be having a stroke.” he said.

Rizner knew there was a problem when he started feeling numbness in his right arm. When the feeling spread to other parts of his body, he called 911 and was transported to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Dr. Jonathan Citow, who at the time had just become chief of neurosurgery at Condell Medical Center, performed the surgery to remove a blood clot from Rizner's brain and repair the arterial defect in the brain.

For a couple months after the surgery, the right side  of Rizner's body, including his arm, face,knee, and leg, were paralyzed. It took him a while before he could even stand up again.

“I didn't even know if I was going to be able to walk again, let alone do the things I am now”, said rizner, who is working full time again along with a regular exercise and running regiment. “But I was determined to get something back and I continually set new goals for myself.”

Rizner went through physical rehabilitation for the next several months, and gradually feeling came back on the right side of his body. By June of 2001, he was able to walk again without a cane or a brace. After his insurance stopped paying for his physical rehabilitation, he joined the Centre Club in Libertyville in August 2001 to improve strength in his legs and arms. By November of that year, he started jogging a little bit.

By May of 2002, he had enough strength back to participate in his first 5-K run, the Centre Club's Twilight Run in Libertyville. Later that year, he participated in a number of other races, including the Condell Distance Classic. Last year, he finished with a time of one hour and eight minutes in the 10K or 6.2 mile race. This year, he hopes to do even better.

“The Condell Distance Classic has special meaning to me because Condell is where I had my surgery done and I think it's for a good cause”, Rizner said.

This year, Rizner participated in a mini-marathon and next January plans to run a full marathon to benefit the American Stroke Association. Although he still has some weakness in his arm, Rizner at age 40, feels he's now in some of the best shape of his life.

“I'm just happy to be alive and I;m happy to be involving in helping others by running.” he said.

Chris Vicik, hospital spokesperson for Condell Medical Center, estimates at least 1,500 people will participate in the Condell Distance Classic this year, and Rizner's participation is one of the more remarkable stories.

“We're thrilled he's running in this race as part of his training for the stroke association marathon”, she said. “This is especially exciting for us because he was one of Dr. Citow's first patients when the neurosurgery program first began”.

The Condell Distance Classic will be held Sunday morning, starting on Garfield Avenue near the hospital. The event offers a 5K Run/Walk starting at 8:10a.m., a One-Mile Run/Mile for kids and adults starting at 8:15 a.m. And a certified 10K race registered with the Chicago Area Runners Association starting at 9 a.m. New this year is a 5K team competition for corporations and clubs. The first 1,300 registrants will receive a commemorative Condell Distance Classic T-shirt. Free refreshments also will be served and random prize drawings will be hels throughout the awards ceremony.

Entry fees are $7 for the one mile event, $12 for the 5K, and $18 for the 10K prior to race day.

Registration is available on line at www.signmeupsports.com. Applications can be picked up at the Libertyville and Gurnee centre Clubs or by calling Condell's public relations and marketing department at (847) 990-5297.

Packet pick up and in person registration will be held on today and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Condell Medical Center's Women's Center. 801 S. Milwaukee Ave. Libertyville.

Registration also will be held the morning of the race.