Tennis icon Monica Seles adapting to a new way of life following diagnosis with an uncommon illness
Monica Seles Opens Up About Living with Myasthenia Gravis
Monica Seles, the nine-time Grand Slam tennis champion, has revealed her battle with myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare chronic neuromuscular disease. In an effort to raise awareness, Seles has chosen to speak publicly about her condition for the first time ahead of the US Open, which starts on 24 August.
The disease, which affects young adult women under 40 and older men over 60, has significantly impacted Seles' day-to-day life. She first noticed symptoms while playing tennis, describing experiences such as missing balls and difficulty with everyday tasks like brushing her hair. Seles characterizes her health issues as another life step requiring her to adapt.
Despite the challenges, Seles has remained resilient. She returned to competition at the 1995 US Open, making it to the final, more than two years after she was attacked by a man with a knife at a tournament in Hamburg, Germany. Seles' determination and spirit have not wavered, as evidenced by her recent partnership with argenx, an immunology company, to promote their Go for Greater campaign which aims to help people with MG.
Current treatment and management strategies for MG include medications, thymus gland removal, plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin, and lifestyle adjustments. Seles' involvement with argenx suggests she is engaged with the latest treatments available for MG. She has also emphasized the importance of managing daily activities to avoid fatigue and stress, as she has had to adjust her life significantly after her diagnosis.
The US National Institutes of Health estimates that MG affects around 1 in 5,000 people. Seles, who was diagnosed with the condition three years ago, had never heard of it until she was diagnosed. Despite this, she has chosen to use her platform to raise awareness and support those affected by the disease.
Seles' experience with MG has been unforgettable, particularly the support she received from fans in New York. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009, Seles continues to inspire through her resilience and determination. As she prepares for the US Open, she does so with a newfound appreciation for the strength of the human spirit and the power of determination.
[1] Argenx. (n.d.). Monica Seles. Retrieved from https://www.argenx.com/patients/monica-seles/
[2] Seles, M. (2021, August 16). Monica Seles opens up about living with myasthenia gravis. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/16/tennis/monica-seles-myasthenia-gravis-tennis-spt-intl/index.html
[3] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021, August 16). Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Myasthenia-Gravis-Fact-Sheet
[4] National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2021, August 16). Myasthenia Gravis. Retrieved from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/myasthenia-gravis/
[5] Argenx. (n.d.). Go for Greater. Retrieved from https://www.argenx.com/patients/go-for-greater/
