Longtime readers of The Reporter will remember the story of Amy Shinneman, which we have been covering since 2019. Amy was born with an undiagnosed neuromuscular disease that causes very weak muscles and affects her ability to walk. She has never had the opportunity to run, but thanks to the help and support of her family, along with a device called a duo chair, she has been able to participate in multiple marathons, including both the Chicago and New York City Marathons last year.
Amy and her husband Jamie will compete in the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on Saturday, Nov. 5 this year, and they will do so as a way to raise awareness and money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
“In January of 2022, I was chosen as one of two National Ambassadors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” Shinneman told The Reporter. “I live with a type of congenital Muscular Dystrophy called Bethlem Myopathy. Even though I have lived with the disease since birth, I wasn’t formally diagnosed until the age of 44, four years ago. Since then, it has been my passion to reach others who may be feeling alone on their journey.”
Shinneman told The Reporter she and Jamie are excited to run a hometown marathon and to be able to include so many family members and friends as teammates.
“While we are raising funds for the MDA, we are running under our team name, Humbly Courageous, which is the name of the blog that I write that shares my life experiences, past and current, living with a lifelong disability,” Shinneman said. Since starting my blog about 3 1/2 years ago, I’ve been able to connect with people all over the world who also have my same diagnosis. Something I never thought I would be able to do.”
National MDA Ambassador Amy Shinneman poses on her updated duo bike. (Photo provided)
Over 40 teammates who have signed up to do the 5K, half-marathon, or the full marathon. Amy and Jamie will be in the full marathon.
“Last year we got to run the NYC marathon with our oldest son Luke, but this marathon is also exciting because the team includes both of our sons, Luke and Jack,” Shinneman said. “Our son Luke used to run cross country and track for Noblesville High School, and now attends Purdue University. A couple of his college buddies, who are also former members of the NHS running teams, are also joined, and are doing the half marathon, along with several members of the current NHS cross country team, which includes our youngest son Jack.”
As one of only two National Ambassadors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, this race will be is an opportunity to both build lasting memories with her own family, and also to help touch the lives of others.
“We hope to raise awareness, and obviously funding for the MDA to continue their quest to improve the lives of those living with neuromuscular diseases and ALS,” Shinneman said. “MDA is the nation’s largest nonprofit supporter of neuromuscular disease research. We had some team shirts and hats made, and also are giving shirts to those who donate while supplies last. It has been fun to see our teammates and donors sporting their Humbly Courageous gear.”
If you would like to support the Shinneman’s fund-raising efforts for the MDA and their upcoming marathon run, you can donate online at this link.
To follow their journey to the marathon, you can visit Amy Shinneman’s Facebook page, where she documents and posts videos of their training runs. You can also follow her on Instagram.