Who We Are

On August 4th, 2021, the day I left home for my first division 1 preseason 13 hours away in Virginia, I received test results confirming that I have an autoimmune disease. These tests had been conducted after chronic issues with joint pain and swelling, fatigue, and headaches. I will never forget how it felt to be leaving home for the first time with a new diagnosis that I knew nothing about, in a state that I had no doctor or medical staff in. I had unending support from my coaching staff and family, but there were so many things that I had to navigate on my own- which is something I hope that The Autoimmune Athlete can help prevent in the future. Playing a sport at a high level with an autoimmune disease is incredibly challenging, but by creating a support system of other athletes who are going through it too, the burden of unknowns can be eased up. Autoimmune disease is unpredictable and always changing, but in a body filled with unknowns, The Autoimmune Athlete can be your constant.
 

• Autoimmune disease is a type of disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue within the body. 
• It can affect any person at any age, and many different types exist.
• Common symptoms of autoimmune disease include widespread joint and muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, joint swelling, skin and mouth rashes or ulcers, nausea, recurring fever, and others. 
• Thanks to advances in treatment, more and more people with autoimmune disease are able to pursue their passion for athletics. This does not mean that incredible challenges are not present because of autoimmune disease. 
• Together, we can redefine what it means to live with a chronic illness, and face the challenge that come with it together.