LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Avid runner and Las Vegas native Derek Stefureac was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2011.

Now, she’s using her diagnosis to spread awareness by running races, like the inaugural Las Vegas Marathon last weekend.

FOX5 will premiere Derek in April. A Las Vegas marathoner overcomes multiple sclerosis

He says since then, many people with multiple sclerosis have reached out, inspired by his story and strength — and he’s accomplished some big goals.

“When your last story aired, I was just qualifying for the Boston Marathon at the Mount Charleston Marathon, so it was a big moment in my life,” he said. “Since then, I have accomplished another one of my goals and I have to do all 7 continents. So I did a marathon in Australia and to celebrate I did one at the North Pole.”

On Sunday, he ran the first Las Vegas Marathon — from Red Rock Canyon to the finish line on Fremont Street downtown.

Derek ran right past the office of the doctor who first diagnosed him with MS 13 years ago.

“Little ‘Stop MS’ action right there, love it! Running for a cause, that’s what we can do!” shouted the announcer as he crossed the finish line.

Next summer, Derek is participating in the “MS Run the US,” a relay race from California to New York City with 21 runners covering approximately 100 miles each.

To learn more about “MS Run the US,” click here.

To sponsor Derek in the race and raise money for MS research, click here.

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