• IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE LATEST RUNNER WORLD NEWS ON WHATSAPP, CLICK HERE.
In CORREDOR we share today the story of José Antonio Fernández Bao because his friend Juan Miguel Esteban, Juanmi, told it to us. He spoke of his generosity, the friendship that unites them, and how hard it is to live with ALS. Also about something José Antonio wants to convey to those going through a similar situation: to carry on and, as much as possible, to enjoy every moment of happiness.
Their friendship began in Lanzarote. Juanmi had traveled to the island in 2018 to compete in the Ironman, and José Antonio was the director of a hotel located near the race’s start. That encounter marked the beginning of a relationship that has endured far beyond the competition. Since then, returning to Lanzarote has meant for Juanmi feeling welcomed with the hospitality and affection of his friend.
Before the disease, José Antonio also found sport to be a source of joy. He practiced mountain bike, went out for runs whenever he could, and enjoyed swimming in the beautiful waters of Lanzarote. The island was the backdrop of his work, his friendships, and those moments of freedom.
A Difficult Path to Diagnosis
According to Juanmi, the first symptoms appeared while José Antonio was still working. He began to feel strange, as if something wasn’t right. Initially he received a diagnosis of depression and spent nine months with treatments that, in his friend’s memory, left him severely limited in daily life. He sought new medical opinions on the mainland. After various consultations and new tests, the diagnosis of ALS was reached.
From the outset, the disease affected his breathing, says Juanmi. On top of the harsh symptoms, another difficulty arose: finding professionals and specialized resources on Lanzarote able to respond to his needs. His friend describes that process as a constant search for care and accompaniment. Today José Antonio can no longer walk and uses an electric wheelchair to move around. His routine includes physiotherapy, psychological support, and palliative care. He also has daily assistance from nine in the morning to two thirty in the afternoon, a crucial help to meet his daily needs.
Although he can still eat by mouth, a feeding tube has been placed in his stomach to have access if swallowing difficulties prevent him from continuing. These are enormous changes. Telling them allows us to understand a part of what he is living, although no description fully captures what it is like to face a disease like this day by day.
The Joy of Having Loved Ones Nearby
When Juanmi talks about José Antonio, he describes a person who is generous, open-minded, and without judgment. Someone who cares for his friends and has managed to make others feel at home.
Now, having the people he loves close to him is one of his greatest sources of happiness. Sharing time with them, feeling their presence, and continuing to be part of their lives holds immense value. It does not erase suffering nor turn hard days into easy ones. But it provides companionship, affection, and moments José Antonio wants to keep enjoying.
His wish is to encourage others in similar situations not to give up and to live with as much happiness as possible. It is the message he wants to share from his own experience. A message that also leaves room for fatigue, sadness, and the need to ask for help: no one should feel they have to be fine or to appear strong at all times.
From CORREDOR we want to send him our affection and to thank Juanmi for bringing his story to us. Hopefully José Antonio can continue to receive the care he needs and that closeness that means so much to him.
His experience invites us to pay attention to something we often put off: spending time with those we love, telling them what they mean to us, and enjoying the moments shared.
For José Antonio, those moments remain life. And he wants to live them with someone by his side.
