Monica Seles Opens Up About Living with Myasthenia Gravis

Strategic Insights -

Monica Seles, a tennis icon and International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee, is sharing her personal journey with myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular disease that affects her day-to-day life. Seles, 51, was diagnosed with the condition three years ago and is now speaking publicly about it for the first time to raise awareness. She first noticed symptoms, including double vision and weakness in her arms and legs, while playing tennis and was referred to a neurologist after consulting a doctor.

Key Takeaways:

  • Seles was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis three years ago, a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles.
  • She first noticed symptoms, including double vision and weakness in her arms and legs, while playing tennis.
  • Seles is partnering with argenx, an immunology company headquartered in the Netherlands, to promote their Go for Greater campaign and raise awareness about MG.
  • She characterizes her health as another "new normal" she has had to adapt to, similar to when she reset her life after coming to the US as a teenager, becoming a professional tennis player, and recovering from a violent on-court attack.
  • Seles believes in the importance of adapting to challenges and finding a way to move forward, as exemplified by her life motto: "You've got to always adjust."

Statistics:

  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that myasthenia gravis affects young adult women (under 40) and older men (over 60) most commonly, but can occur at any age, including childhood.
  • According to Seles, she was 48 years old when she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis.
  • Seles is 51 years old, indicating she has been living with the diagnosis for three years.

Sources:

  • Monica Seles' AP interview with The Associated Press.
  • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
  • The Associated Press (AP) news articles on tennis, including Howard Fendrich's stories: https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich
  • More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis